La Séparation (1994)
A subdued and very French little drama about a couple with relationship issues that hinges on the great performances by Isabelle Huppert and Daniel Auteuil. Huppert plays her well trodden role of a woman with cold morality, as she starts having an affair which she does tell her partner about, but she doesn’t think they should end their relationship or she should move out. Auteuil’s character handles this in a very restrained manner, not really sure what he should do with himself or his feelings. It is easy to mostly feel sympathy for him and his situation, and there is some interesting gender dynamics at display here - with a refreshing acknowledgement of how many men lose in such separation cases. Huppert and Auteuil play their roles masterfully with a very convincing portrayal of a couple with a lot of history together.
Rating: 4