Spring Blossom

Directed by Suzanne Lindon, Spring Blossom follows a bashful, reserved 16-year-old (Lindon’s Suzanne) as she finds herself falling for a thirtysomething actor (Arnaud Valois’ Raphaël) – with the spare narrative detailing the consequences of the pair’s tentative (and decidedly illicit) relationship. First-time filmmaker Lindon delivers an exceedingly (and, for the most part, excessively) deliberate endeavor that’s at its best in its relatively engaging first half, as the writer/director does an effective job of establishing Suzanne’s low-key and seemingly lonely existence – with Lindon’s appealing performance going a long way towards perpetuating the watchable atmosphere. It’s clear, then, that Spring Blossom‘s downfall is triggered by an aggressively uneventful midsection that’s been littered with questionable elements, including (and especially) a pair of synchronized dance numbers that feel entirely out of step with Lindon’s otherwise down-to-earth execution. The hopelessly underwhelming vibe paves the way for a mostly interminable final half hour, and although Lindon might have some potential behind the camera, Spring Blossom is, in the final analysis, hardly the memorable, calling-card debut she presumably intended.

*1/2 out of ****