Film review: Lourdes, Kilburn Times, April 2010

MIRACLES are things of ambivalent speculation and liturgical myths for a group of pilgrims in Lourdes, and as its wheelchair bound protagonist finds solace, you will be left both illuminated and lost, writes Sejal Kapadia.

When clusters of elderly, disabled and pious individuals slowly fill an empty dining room, there is nothing out of the ordinary. Daily, the group follows their tour guides on spiritual excursions and sacred activities in the infamous French village where Bernadette Soubirous is said to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary.

Central to the plot is Christine, a multiple sclerosis sufferer restricted solely to the movement of her head. Christine, played by highly acclaimed French actress Sylvie Testud, is unlike the rest and does not show much piety. She prefers the tour in Rome for its “culture”. But ultimately, like all the other visitors, she seeks a miracle from the holy water baths to cure her from her trapped and lonesome life.

Director Jessica Hausner skillfully plays out the verities of faith through immature youths, religion testers and the truly faithful. When the priest explains an importance of curing ones sole, everyone really just wants to witness physically healing - a real miracle. Thus it often moves from compassion to satire, and this is powerful.

There is very little dialogue, and its Christine’s telling smiles and watchful eye that keep you gripped to the subtle changes in the plot. When myths finally become reality, there is an unsettling and threatening air that keeps you hoping it all doesn’t crumble apart.

It has won various awards at film festivals in Venice, Vienna, Warsaw and London, and was beautifully fitting for an Easter screening at the Tricycle theatre, Kilburn High Road.

It isn’t obvious what you are meant to take away from Hausner’s story, and you will be a little bemused. But much like Christine’s transformation, your reaction will surely be deep and unfathomable.