3.5/5

Released August 6, Annette is a musical quirk-fest championed by the eccentric storyline and vibrant visuals, that falls just short of greatness due to some awkward writing.

With an original story and songs written by the brothers behind the pop-rock duo Sparks, this film is certainly unique from the very start. The somewhat dark and fantasy-like atmosphere crafted by director Leos Carax takes the viewer into a bizarro-world version of our own Los Angeles, California.

Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard have undeniable chemistry, but the writing in certain scenes is uncomfortable and unrealistic. That being said, there is a beautiful dichotomy created by Driver’s Henry McHenry, who is depressing and reserved, when paired with the quirky and kind Ann, played by Cotillard. 

This charismatic couple births a beautiful child, Annette, who is, for some reason, a… puppet? The foreshadowing showcased in this film is outstanding, and the story told about the parents by proxy of the child is dark. It is haunting, and it will stick with you.

The transformation undergone by Driver’s character is powerful, his change is sickening. This film’s twisted, musical metamorphosis from a romance into a dark drama is sudden, jarring and takes the viewer on a demented joyride through whimsical set pieces. 

Overall, this film is interesting and enjoyable, but is held back by clunky writing and strange directorial choices.