A work of incessant tension
In All the wayXavier Legrand immerses the viewer in a terribly realistic situation: a conflictual divorce in which the custody of a child becomes the scene of a collision. Miriam (Léa Drucker) asks for sole custody of her son Julien (Thomas Gioria), accusing her ex-husband Antoine (Denis Ménochet) of violent behavior. But, due to the lack of sufficient evidence, the judge decides to grant shared custody, forcing Julien to spend time with his father.
The film therefore aims to show, with clinical precision, the growing tension within this divided family. Antoine, played by Denis Ménochet, oscillates between manipulative and charming terrifying latent violence. In contrast, Miriam, played by a touchingly precise Léa Drucker, embodies a determined mother paralyzed by fear. In the middle, Julien, whose sober performance by Thomas Gioria reflects the suffering of a child taken hostage by his parents’ toxicity.
With a minimalist but impactful staging, Xavier Legrand manages to maintain constant tension, each scene seeming to announce an imminent drama. Until the final climax, the film captures the viewer’s attention and immerses him in an oppressive reality that seems ready to explode at any moment.
When the drama turns into a thriller
If All the way is based on realistic foundations, Xavier Legrand chooses to transcend the genre by borrowing the codes of the thriller. From the first scene – a cold hearing before a judge – the director sets up a heavy atmosphere and almost distressing. The soundtrack is almost absent, leaving the silences and ambient noises to increase the tension.
Legrand enjoys playing with the viewer’s expectations, building his story as a relentless mechanism where every detail, every look, every word has weight. In the way ofthe greatest thrillersthe film is based on a gradual build-up of tension, where anxiety slowly but surely creeps in. Special mention to the sequence in the party hall, where, almost in a slasher, you expect the boogeyman to appear around every corner.
The choice of frames and decorations also accentuates the oppressive atmosphere. The intimate scenes, often shot with close-ups, reflect the psychological confinement of the characters. The ending, terrifying and unexpected, confirms Xavier Legrand’s ability to manipulate the viewer while remaining faithful to the seriousness of the subject matter.
Is To the Hilt based on a true story?
While All the way it is not directly inspired by a true story, it is anchored in a chilling reality. Director Xavier Legrand based his work on extensive research domestic violence and its consequences for children. The film also extends the short film Before losing everythingproduced by Legrand in 2013, which was already facing the ravages of this scourge.
Through the character of Antoine, All the way shows the often insidious side of domestic violence: a man who may appear charming in public, but reveals behavior threatening to privacy. This duality is a recurring aspect in the testimonies of the victims and Xavier Legrand wanted to show this truth in all its complexity.
The film is also inspired by tragic news events, which highlight the shortcomings of the justice system in protecting minors and victims of domestic violence. Through fiction, All the way it becomes a heartbreaking mirror of a reality that is too often ignored.
Upon its release, the film was a success with audiences and critics, reflecting its rating of 4/5 among our peers atAlloCiné.
Source: Cine Serie
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