Directed by seasoned documentary filmmaker Nicolas Philibert (Being and Being, Nenet, etc.), this powerful and moving feature film follows the patients of L’Adamant, a day center unique in its kind as it is a floating building.
Built on the Seine in the center of Paris, it welcomes adults with mental disorders, offering them a framework of care that structures them and helps them connect with the world.
With an average press rating of 4.24/5 (across 21 critics), the documentary is the second highest-rated press release on AlloCiné since the start of the year (The Fabelmans remains first at 4, 9/5).
In February, Sur l’Adamant won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale. Thus, the president of the jury, the American actress Kristen Stewart, gave the prize to Nicholas Philibert.
What the press says:
According to the part of the gang:
“Living together” is more than a humanistic concept, a human necessity. Sur l’Adamant doesn’t say it’s easy, with the unique experience of this psychiatric ward from Seine’s point of view, it just says it’s possible.” (Isabelle Daniel) 5/5
According to Les Inrockuptibles:
“Recently awarded the Golden Bear at the Berlinale, this documentary, broadcast in a floating therapy center, offers its subjects the appearance of great intelligence.” (Gerard Lefort) 5/5
According to Le Figaro:
“A brilliant documentary, awarded the Golden Bear in Berlin.” (Francoise Dargent) 4/5
According to Cahiers du Cinema:
“Against the fear or curiosity inspired by these sometimes broken faces, the operation involves the approximation of difference with the delicate simplicity of the everyday temporal gaze, which welcomes its expressions by emphasizing difference.” (Roman Lefebvre) 4/5
According to Obs:
“A patient approach, a sharp science of editing…Nicolas Philibert listens and signs a documentary that is both political and warm in a different take on psychiatry.” (Sophie Grassini) 4/5
According to Le Journal du Dimanche:
“The film graciously captures the sweetness and necessity of this unique space, where humanity and dignity are the foundation, the norms of a violent society somewhat transcended.” (Alexis Campion) 4/5
According to Le Monde:
“Sur L’Adamant is thus a beautiful fantasy in which Nicolas Philibert deliberately perpetuates suffering on the edge in favor of human sharing.” (Jacques Mandelbaum) 4/5
According to Liberation:
“Adamant, a refuge for artists, breeding explosive loneliness. A kind of ideal refuge, a Noah’s ark in the heart of a violent city, Adamant is a good story, and we understand that the jury of the last Berlin festival made a point. To celebrate this by presenting Philibert with a golden bear.” (Laura Thuillier) 4/5
According to the first:
“109 intense minutes delivered with great skill, unhurried, taking time to let everyone talk at length. The whole humanity of his gaze, the talent of a never-offending confessor jumps out at us. Impressive.” (Thierry Chez) 4/5
According to Teleram:
“The filmmaker has a way of being with others that belongs only to him, of relating to others, so to speak, ‘on the same level.’ (Francois Ekager) 4/5
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
