Official Competition review - THE SOUND OF TREES by Francois Peloquin

Fathers and sons and their different perspectives on rural lifestyle. The Sound of Trees by Francois Peloquin had its world premiere in the official competition of the 50th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

The Sound of Trees marks the feature directorial debut by Francois Peloquin. It tells the story of the strained relationship between a father and his teenage son against the backdrop of the Quebec countryside of modern times. 

Their perspective on the rural lifestyle is also a significant representation of the differences between their respective generations. The former grew up in the country and made a living out of it by setting up a sawmill. The other, however, believes there is more to life than following in his father's footsteps. It's his behaviour and teenage debauchery that dictates much of the tension of the film.

The Sound of Trees is little over an hour and a quarter long, which allows the screenplay to feel compact and complete and also helps it avoid the usual array of cliches that plague both the coming of age drama and films about father and son relationships - both elements extensively explored in ways that end up seeming very familiar. Furthermore, the dramatic events and plot turns are effective because of their genuineness. This genuineness is echoed in some of the stylistic choices of the film, especially that of making use of long takes that also enhance the authenticity of the interactions between the characters themselves. 

The performances are brilliant. Roy Dupuis is a solid embodiment of the tender but tough character, who more often than not disguises shows of emotions with a wry sense of humour. Antoine L'Ecuyer is excellent as the hip-hop loving, rebellious, reckless youth, whose lifestyle and inner dilemmas openly show through bravado and desperation.