Departure

A mother named Beatrice and her teenage son Elliot are spending a week in the South of France, preparing to sell their remote holiday house. This retreat is a significant transition for them, filled with both practical arrangements and emotional undercurrents. The house, located in a secluded area, symbolizes a chapter closing in their lives, prompting reflection and a sense of finality.

Elliot, who is fifteen years old, is navigating the complex process of adolescence, including his emerging awareness of his sexuality. This internal struggle creates a growing sense of alienation from his mother, as he finds it difficult to share his feelings or connect with her on deeper levels. Meanwhile, Beatrice is also grappling with her own personal difficulties, realizing that her marriage to Elliot's father, Philip, has become loveless and ended in emotional stagnation.

As the week unfolds, both Beatrice and Elliot confront their feelings and the realities of their circumstances. The impending sale of the house acts as a catalyst, forcing them to face change and the loss of a familiar way of life. Beatrice begins to reflect on her own choices and the life she’s been leading, understanding that the familiar has become empty and unsatisfying.

Adding a new layer of complexity to their emotional landscape is the arrival of Clément, a quiet, enigmatic local teenager. His gentle presence introduces an element of mystery and possibility, challenging the boundaries of their understanding of desire and connection. Clément's subtle influence prompts both mother and son to examine their feelings and motivations in new ways.

Ultimately, the presence of Clément and the ongoing process of departure serve as metaphors for transition and self-discovery. Struggling with their internal conflicts and mutual misunderstandings, Beatrice and Elliot are compelled to confront their own truths and, perhaps for the first time, each other. The week becomes a pivotal moment in their lives, marking the end of one chapter and the potential beginning of another.