Planetarium (Planetarium) is a 2016 French-Belgian romantic drama fantasy thriller film directed by Rebecca Zlotowski from a screenplay by Rebecca Zlotowski and Robin Campillo. The film premiered in France on 16 November 2016.
Planetarium is an atmospheric drama that skillfully combines psychological mystery with historical and cultural context. Set in the 1930s, the film follows two sisters who have the ability to „communicate with spirits“ and engage in mediumship. Director Rebecca Zlotowski once again demonstrates her skill in creating visually and emotionally intense cinema that raises questions about faith, deception, desire, and personal freedom.
The story focuses on Laura (Natalie Portman) and Caitlin (Lily-Rose Depp), two sisters who rely on supernatural abilities to attract public attention through mediumistic séances. They travel throughout Europe and the United States, demonstrating their skills and attracting both believers and skeptics.
As they navigate between the glamour of public performances and their private lives, the sisters confront questions about their identity, the moral boundaries of exploiting their talent, and the conflicts between the fictional and the real, between the spiritual and the material.
The film does not rely on quick twists and turns; instead, it examines the relationships between the heroines and the people around them, as well as the internal conflicts that drive them.
The implementation of Natalie Portman is elegant, mysterious, and profound. She exudes both charisma and cold intellect, making her image both attractive and unpredictable.
The debut performance of Lily-Rose Depp is impressive — the young actress creates a sense of innocence and naivety, combined with vulnerability and courage. Her interaction with Portman gives the film an emotional and psychological balance.
The supporting actors Louis Garrel and Emanuel Salinger They bring additional nuances—skepticism, intrigue, and romantic impulses—that enrich the dynamics between the characters.
Rebecca Zlotowski creates a film with a rich atmosphere, using slow, carefully constructed shots that emphasize the isolation and mystery surrounding the heroines. The camera often stays close to their faces, enhancing the psychological tension and intimacy of the scenes. The 1930s aesthetic is extremely authentic - costumes, sets and lighting create a sense of time and place that emphasizes themes of societal expectation and personal freedom.
The soundtrack by Ruven Harpaz supports the mystical and slightly ominous atmosphere of the film, while not drowning out the emotional charge of the scenes. The music is discreet but effective in building tension and emotional tones.
Planetarium is an intelligent and visually impressive drama that combines historical context with psychological depth. The film does not rely on quick twists and turns, but on the complex relationships between the characters and the intrigues of the times they live in. This is a cinema for viewers who like films that provoke thought and impress with atmosphere.
