Laurence Anyways review

Xavier Dolan's latest film a Montreal melodrama with its heart on its sleeve

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A move you might imagine Pedro Almodóvar making in his early days, Xavier Dolan’s third feature is a Montreal melodrama with its heart on its sleeve.

A decade-long saga beginning in the late ’80s, its title character (Melvil Poupaud) is a transsexual male having an affair with Frederique (Suzanne Clément), who struggles with the idea that her man wants to be a woman.

Dolan never flinches across this bold, brassy piece; it’s confidently directed, stylishly shot, passionately acted and evocatively scored.

And it’s got the best ’80s hairstyles since The Wedding Singer .

Freelance writer

James Mottram is a freelance film journalist, author of books that dive deep into films like Die Hard and Tenet, and a regular guest on the Total Film podcast. You'll find his writings on 12DOVE and Total Film, and in newspapers and magazines from across the world like The Times, The Independent, The i, Metro, The National, Marie Claire, and MindFood.