Who by fire (2024) by Philippe Lesage

Philippe Lesage, the acclaimed Canadian filmmaker known for his observational dramas and profound explorations of childhood and adolescence (The Demons, Genesis), returns with Who by Fire (original French title: Qui par le feu). This intense psychological drama premiered in the Main Competition of the 2024 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and has since been praised for its unsettling atmosphere and powerful performances.

Who by Fire opens in the serene, yet subtly unsettling, setting of a summer cabin. Teenage filmmaker Blake (Noah Parker), accompanied by his mother (Aude Mathieu) and sister (Juliette Gariépy), is spending his vacation consumed by a personal project: editing his first feature film. The tranquility of their retreat is shattered by the arrival of Blake’s estranged father (Paul Ahmarani), along with his new, much younger girlfriend, Alana (Esther Garrel).

The reunion is immediately fraught with tension. The family is still reeling from a profound and unspoken grief – the recent loss of Blake’s older brother, David, to suicide. This raw sorrow hangs heavy in the air, manifesting in strained silences, passive-aggressive remarks, and the desperate attempts of each family member to cope in their own way.

Alana, the outsider, becomes a focal point of this simmering conflict. Her presence, perceived by some as an intrusion, subtly destabilizes the already fractured family dynamic. As the summer days unfold, the family’s grief and underlying resentments become increasingly palpable. Lesage employs a deliberate, observational style, letting the unspoken fears and hostilities slowly permeate the seemingly idyllic summer setting. The film delves into the complexities of mourning, particularly the diverse ways individuals process loss, and how shared trauma can both connect and isolate. It explores themes of identity, the fragile bonds of family, and the lingering shadows that tragedy casts. The title, “Who by Fire,” alludes to a darker, almost biblical sense of reckoning, hinting at the destructive power of grief and the possibility of unforeseen consequences as the family navigates their emotional landscape.

Teenage filmmaker Blake is summering at a cabin with his mother and sister, attempting to edit his first film, while grappling with the recent suicide of his older brother. The fragile family dynamic is further tested by the arrival of his estranged father and his much younger girlfriend, Alana, forcing them to confront their unspoken grief, lingering resentments, and the profound impact of their shared trauma.

Philippe Lesage’s vision for Who by Fire is to continue his exploration of the nuanced and often unsettling aspects of human behavior and relationships, particularly within families facing crisis. Known for his immersive style and keen observation, Lesage aims to craft a film that is both emotionally profound and subtly chilling. He seeks to portray grief not as a singular emotion, but as a multifaceted and sometimes destructive force that impacts each individual uniquely. The seemingly idyllic summer setting is used to contrast with the inner turmoil, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Lesage’s deliberate pacing and use of long takes allow the audience to immerse themselves in the characters’ emotional states and the unspoken tensions that define their interactions, crafting a psychological drama that probes the depths of human vulnerability and resilience.

• Grief and Loss: The central theme, exploring the complex and often destructive ways families cope with profound loss, especially suicide.

• Family Dysfunction: The breakdown of communication, unresolved conflicts, and the lingering resentments within a fractured family unit.

• Identity and Self-Discovery: Particularly for the teenage protagonist Blake, grappling with his own identity in the shadow of his brother’s death and his fractured family.

• The Outsider’s Role: The impact of an external presence (Alana) on an already strained family dynamic, acting as both a catalyst and a mirror.

• Summer’s End/Loss of Innocence: The transition from a seemingly carefree summer to a period of confronting harsh realities and loss.

• The Weight of the Unspoken: How unaddressed trauma and suppressed emotions can fester and influence relationships.

• Philippe Lesage’s Acclaimed Direction: His established reputation for creating nuanced, psychologically astute dramas ensures a high level of artistic quality and critical interest.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: The film features a compelling cast capable of conveying complex emotional states, with Esther Garrel’s role as the outsider being particularly noted.

• Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The exploration of grief, mental health (suicide), and family dynamics resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

• Festival Recognition: Its premiere in the Main Competition at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival signifies its artistic merit and international appeal.

• Atmospheric Storytelling: Lesage’s ability to build tension and create an unsettling atmosphere through subtle means.

• Noah Parker as Blake

• Esther Garrel as Alana

• Paul Ahmarani as The Father

• Aude Mathieu as The Mother

• Juliette Gariépy as The Sister

Who by Fire premiered in the Main Competition at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (June 28 – July 6, 2024). This selection is a significant honor, indicating its high artistic quality and eligibility for the festival’s top award, the Grand Prix – Crystal Globe.

Critical reception for Who by Fire began emerging after its Karlovy Vary premiere in June 2024. Critics have generally praised Lesage’s mastery of atmosphere and his sensitive handling of complex themes.

• The Hollywood Reporter: Described it as a “languid, atmospheric drama” that explores “grief and identity.” They noted that Lesage “continues to apply his distinctive, low-key observational style to the subject.”

• Variety: Highlighted its “slow-burn intensity” and the “compelling performances” from its cast. They noted Lesage’s skill in “building suspense out of interpersonal dynamics.”

• Cineuropa: Commended Lesage for “maintaining a consistent style throughout his career, based on careful observation and the meticulous construction of a suspenseful atmosphere.” They stated that the film offers a “somewhat disturbing take on the difficult topics of grief, identity, loneliness and the complexity of human relationships.”

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics have lauded Who by Fire as a meticulously crafted and profoundly unsettling psychological drama. They praised Philippe Lesage’s signature observational style, his ability to build palpable tension from unspoken emotions, and the strong performances of his cast in exploring the intricate facets of grief and family dysfunction.

Audience reviews, primarily from its festival screenings, indicate a strong appreciation for the film’s depth and its challenging subject matter. Viewers found the film to be a powerful and immersive experience, though some noted its deliberate pacing might require patience. The nuanced portrayal of grief and family dynamics resonated deeply, and the film’s ability to provoke thought and discussion was frequently mentioned.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews indicate that Who by Fire is a highly resonant and impactful film for audiences who appreciate nuanced psychological dramas and are willing to engage with difficult themes.

As of May 2025, Who by Fire is an independent Canadian production that premiered at a major international film festival. Box office figures for such films are typically not widely publicized unless they secure significant theatrical distribution. Its success will be measured more by its critical acclaim, festival recognition, and eventual platform releases.

• Director: Philippe Lesage

• Writer: Philippe Lesage

• Producers: Galilé Marion-Gauvin (Unité Centrale), Pascal Bascaron (co-producer), Vincent Maraval (Wild Bunch International)

• Cinematography: Nicolas Canniccioni

• Editor: Philippe Lesage

• Music by: Not widely publicized yet, but Lesage often uses minimalist or ambient scores.

• Production Company: Unité Centrale (Canada), co-produced by Wild Bunch International

• Production Country: Canada

• Language: French

• Running Time: 127 minutes (2 hours 7 minutes)

• Budget: Not publicly disclosed.

• Filming Locations: Not widely publicized, but likely rural Québec or Eastern Canada.

Release Date on Streaming

A specific streaming release date for Who by Fire has not been announced. It will likely follow its festival run and any eventual theatrical releases.

Who by Fire had its World Premiere in the Main Competition at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (June 28 – July 6, 2024).

Further theatrical release dates in Canada and other countries will be announced following its festival circuit.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Masterful Exploration of Grief: Offers a profound and unflinching look at the complexities of family grief, particularly after a tragedy like suicide.

• Philippe Lesage’s Unique Vision: For fans of his previous work (The Demons, Genesis), this film delivers his signature blend of psychological depth and observational storytelling.

• Atmospheric and Tense: The film builds suspense and unease through its subtle pacing and character interactions, creating a captivating watch.

• Powerful Performances: Features a strong ensemble cast capable of conveying the intricate emotional landscape.

• Critically Acclaimed: Its selection for a major festival competition signals its high artistic quality and importance.

• For Intelligent Psychological Drama: If you appreciate films that delve deep into human emotions and interpersonal dynamics without resorting to melodrama.

• To Witness a Director’s Evolution: See how Philippe Lesage continues to hone his craft and tackle challenging themes with sensitivity.

• To Engage with Difficult Topics: The film provides a thoughtful platform for reflecting on grief, loss, and family trauma.

• For a Subtly Unsettling Experience: If you enjoy films that create tension through atmosphere and character, rather than overt scares.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

Who by Fire aligns with the trend of “Auteur-Driven Psychological Dramas,” particularly those that explore familial dysfunction and the impact of trauma. It also fits into the broader category of “Festival Circuit Films” that prioritize artistic merit and thematic depth over commercial appeal. Lesage’s consistent focus on the emotional complexities of youth and family places it within the enduring trend of “Coming-of-Age / Family Study” cinema.

What Big Social Trend is Following

The film directly engages with the increasing societal awareness and open discussion surrounding “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention,” specifically how these issues impact families and reverberate through generations. It also touches upon the broader cultural trends of “Family Fragmentation” and the challenges of “Reconciliation and Healing” in a modern context.

Philippe Lesage’s Who by Fire is a hauntingly beautiful and profoundly unsettling psychological drama that solidifies his reputation as a master of observational storytelling. By meticulously unraveling the complexities of grief and family dysfunction, the film draws the audience into a world of palpable tension and unspoken sorrow. With powerful performances and Lesage’s signature atmospheric direction, it is a challenging yet deeply rewarding cinematic experience. For those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that lingers long after the credits roll, Who by Fire is an essential watch.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace Subtlety and Observation: Demonstrate how profound emotional impact can be achieved through nuanced character interactions and a deliberate, observational style.

• Tackle Challenging Themes with Sensitivity: Showcase how difficult subjects like grief and suicide can be explored with depth and respect, avoiding sensationalism.

• Leverage Atmosphere and Setting: Illustrate how a seemingly benign environment can be infused with underlying tension and psychological weight to enhance the narrative.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Auteur-Driven Projects: Continue to invest in filmmakers with strong artistic visions who are willing to tackle complex and challenging subjects.

• Promote Films on Mental Health: Recognize the power of cinema to contribute to important societal conversations around mental health and trauma, fostering understanding and empathy.

• Champion Festival Selections: Highlight films that achieve recognition at prestigious international festivals, as they often represent significant artistic achievements and important voices in cinema.