In the contemporary cinematographic universe, Philippe Lesage stands out for his ability to delve into the heart of human emotions, exploring with finesse the complexities of interpersonal relationships. His film “Comme le feu” is part of this lineage, delicately retracing the passionate journey of its protagonists. Through poignant images and evocative dialogues, Lesage invites the viewer to reflect on love, desire and the fragility of the bonds that unite people. Passion, whether gentle or tumultuous, thus becomes the common thread of this work, revealing the depth of feelings and the inner dilemmas that result from them.
The Humanity Thesis: Winning and Losing
In his eighth feature film, Like fire, Quebec filmmaker Philippe Lesage invites us to explore deep and complex themes through the eyes of Aliocha (Aurélia Arandi-Longpré), a young author in the middle of writing her novel. She explains to her friend Jeff (Noah Parker) that the human objective is often to earn — his life, love, friendship — but that he paradoxically persists in lose. This loss, far from being negative, is transformed into a tool for reconstruction and reassessment of our relationship with the world.
Encounters and Isolations: An Ambiguous Framework
The story begins with the meeting of Albert (Paul Ahmaradi), a renowned screenwriter, and Blake (Arieh Worthalter), a famous director who abandoned fiction for documentaries. The two men, once inseparable, find themselves in an isolated cabin in the heart of the Canadian forest after three years of separation. This closed session, shared with Albert’s children and Blake’s friends, triggers a chain of revelations and tensions that lay bare human nature.
A Carefully Weighted Staging
Philippe Lesage adopts a cinematographic approach which focuses on the duration shots to let the emotional and psychological dynamics of his characters shine through. The scenes are not cut in a traditional way; each shot, very long and often static, allows spectators to observe the interactions without interruption. This method generates a palpable rise in tension, particularly during meals, almost theatrical moments of confrontation reminiscent of the works of Ingmar Bergman.
A Bergmanian Inspiration
Ingmar Bergman’s influences are clearly visible in Like fire. From the name of Blake’s dog, Ingmar, to the explicit recognition of the Swedish master in the acknowledgments, Lesage does not hide his admiration. Certain meal scenes, where discussions become veritable verbal battlefields, are particularly cruel and incisive, recalling the great hours of Bergman’s filmography.
Domination and Fragility: The Power Game
The film highlights power dynamics, particularly through the relationship between Blake and Albert. Blake, a central figure in this isolated setting, seeks to crush and humiliate his former collaborator, thus demonstrating the toxicity of the virilist model. Albert, on the other hand, represents the fragility and anxiety, becoming the target of Blake’s domination games.
Alyosha and Jeff: Love or Desire?
The relationship between Alyosha and Jeff also raises questions about the distinction between love and desire. Jeff, saddened less by the lack of reciprocity of his feelings than by the possibility of being pushed aside by Blake, illustrates a frequent confusion between the desire of possession and self-affirmation.
The Role of Kindness in a Brutal World
In this environment dominated by virilistic behavior and power conflicts, only two characters stand out positively: Barney (Carlo Harrietha), the handyman of the cabin, and Alyosha. Barney, through his kindness and discretion, offers a counterpoint to the brutality ambient. Alyosha, for her part, embodies a claimed freshness and freedom, bringing touches of joy to this asphyxiated world.
A Challenging but Eloquent Film
Like fire is a trying film, sometimes heavy in its atmosphere, but of remarkable strength thanks to the direction of the actors and the direction of Philippe Lesage. Aurélia Arandi-Longpré, Paul Ahmaradi and Arieh Worthalter offer memorable performances, dominating an uneven but generally decent cast. This ensemble film succeeds in transforming the flaws of its characters into real precipices, creating a powerful and introspective work.
