16.1.24
Either Franz Rogowski is a great actor, or he’s one of the most loathsome people I’ve ever seen on screen. A sour love square and an examination of relationship self-sabotage, Passages bluntly addresses if we need partners at all. Ben Whishaw delivers his trademark empathetic supporting turn, but Franz Rogowski outshines as the lead Tomas, exhibiting an intensity and foulness reminiscent of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus from Gladiator.
While the film admirably examines relationships and compromise in modern society, too many scenes feature off-putting, uncomfortable characters. Adèle Exarchopoulos as Agathe, who I also saw last year in Zero Fucks Given (also on MUBI), callously uses colleagues and acquaintances for sex and favours in an unsympathetic fashion. The story pivots on unrealistic, sudden revelations that strain credibility. I also felt that it plays on the stereotype of adultery and bed-swapping within queer relationships which although may suit the realities of modern Paris, felt banal and stale.
However, Rogowski’s soulful performance and thematic ambitions make Passages at least partially worthwhile. The ending packs a punch, culminating in a poignant final shot. Rogowski displays transformative range here, and his simmering talent deserves greater attention (I plan to seek out his other acclaimed work in Great Freedom and Undine). It’s a film that frustrates and captivates in almost equal measure thanks to a love-hate central performance and odious characters that I couldn’t personally side with, aside from Agathe’s parents, but I am sure others will get much from it.
Available on MUBI.