Identical women, born on the same day to different corners of Europe, subconsciously influence each other’s lives. Though they never meet - only a brief sighting from across a crowded town square - their shared extra-sensory connection is deep and profound. Doubly so when one suddenly collapses and dies during a choral performance. Across the miles, a drastic mood swing shows us that the other is immediately aware of her loss. After experiencing that moment of heavy, inexplicable grief, she develops a newfound appreciation for life’s little delights and a fresh attraction to love.

Though its plot may be limited and often confusing, there’s something intrinsically seductive and alluring at play here. The film’s technical warmth and rich visual tones deserve recognition, but I think its star is the real reason everything comes together. Irène Jacob plays both characters, on-screen for nearly the entire running time, and displays a rare degree of cinematic magnetism. A quiet and understated actress, she single-handedly carries the story’s weight, conveying complicated emotions with subtlety and nuance. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s a certifiable knockout, effortlessly gorgeous in even the most mundane of acts.

A critically imperfect, but emotionally entrancing, mix of sights and senses.

**A pessimistic film, somewhat negative and sad, about (maybe) two versions of the same person.**

I decided to see this film shortly after having seen the trilogy of colors, by the same director, the Polish Krzysztof Kieslowski. The theme of the film is the lives of two women, the French Veronique and the Polish Weronika. They are doppelgängers for each other, live similar lives, have very similar aspirations and a similar life path. It could be said that they are twin sisters or versions of the same person! However, the two do not know each other and do not even presume the existence of the other. I dare not – and it would be very incorrect – to say more, but what happens to one of them affects the other in an inexplicable way. It is not, however, a happy or optimistic film.

Kieslowski does an interesting job in a film that marks his expansion outside his country, into international cinema. Until then, he had only made a career in Poland, and largely at the expense of national television and documentaries. Color is fundamental in the film, as is the case in a good part of his work, and especially in his famous trilogy. Except that, contrary to what happens in these three films, the colors are largely muted here, through the almost permanent use of filters that reduce them to a tan, almost sepia. Thus, cinematography seeks to speak to us through color and framing, and ends up relating intimately and intensely with music and sound, creating an oneiric atmosphere that only seems excessive due to its omnipresence. Of the soundtrack, I would especially highlight a passage sung, in the best and most honest lyrical or operatic style, but undoubtedly composed for the film.

The lead role (or rather, both lead roles) are secured by Irene Jacob, young and confident, sure of herself and her ability for the task at hand. This film opened doors for him and allowed him to have a much more distinguished career than he would have otherwise, I think. However, she is the only outstanding actress in this film. Everything else is supporting actors, appearing relatively fleetingly to do what needs to be done.