SAUVAGE/WILD

During weeks of illness I took to watching scads of movies - more than usual even. Some were brilliant, some stinkers, and some . . . unsettling, but beautiful . . .  powerful. In that final category, nothing came remotely close to Camille Vidal-Naquet's 2018 feature Sauvage/Wild. 

This is one of those difficult films that I honestly can't think of anyone I can recommend it to. This will become evident for a number of reasons as (or if) you read on.  I had a hard time initially, but letting myself go where it took me I ultimately found this to be a gem . . . a disturbing stunner and in its way beautiful galvanized by the performance of Félix Maritaud as Leo, whose story we're watching. 

Director Vidal-Naquet gives no hints or real clues as to Leo's background - why or how he ended up with the always challenging life before him.  Shot almost in a documentary-like style, we are enter   into Leo's world of sex trade, drug abuse and homelessness in a manner that is unapologetic and "in your face."   It's all simply matter of fact with no judgment, and little sympathy. Anything resembling those will be left up to the viewer. Or not.  

Leo is a homeless, illiterate, gay prostitute eeking out his sad living, sleeping and working on a highway of an unspecified French city. A street-handsome, twenty-two year old, he feels - despite the profession - like an innocent . . . a naive waif or animal who, despite his station in life carries himself with a sort of dignity that cannot help but be admired.  I smiled watching Leo walk with a confidence moving easily and almost invisibly through the streets and sidewalks. 

Félix Maritaud gives Leo a presence that is raw . . . proud without arrogance, almost noble in its way. We also quickly realize this loner is a young man so desperate for love he will do - quite literally - anything for it. He exhibits no shame or embarrassment in declaring - or attempting to show his love towards his only friend, Ahd, another prostitute, and the polar opposite of Leo.  A few years older, Ahd is far more streetwise, savvy, and lets it be known he is strictly gay-for-pay.  Nonetheless, it is clear how much he cares for his friend, offering Leo advice and comfort, while ever attempting to let him know a romance is not part of their story. 

As Ahd, Farid-Éric Bernard commands equal attention in their scenes. There is a scene with the pair doing a three-way with an older, handicapped client, who wants to be kissed, but only Leo obliges, while Ahd watches with disgusted fascination.  When Leo attempts to kiss Ahd - it goes off the rails. When later, Ahd asks why Leo is okay with kissing, and the younger friend speaks, but it is his body language . . .  and eyes that give the real answer.  

There is one particular scene that takes the film beyond brutal, not only in its simulated sex - which is both graphic, and difficult to watch, but equally so in the degradation and contempt shown towards Leo. He's obviously not into what's taking place, and it feels as though the poor kid is - literally - offering his body in some form of sacrifice to prove his honor.  Leo, who seems never to feel humiliation or degradation- here is now, finally both. It was nearly impossible not to turn away from the screen, but Maritaud's performance is so compelling . . . wrenching that it broke my heart. 

It's no surprise to learn Leo is physically sick. How could he not be, drinking the same water from the filthy street puddles where he washes up. This llness leads us directly to the most moving interaction of the film.  Leo visits a a middle aged woman doctor whose questions he mostly answers directly and honestly, including her asking if he has considered giving up the drugs and life he lives. His response of "why would I?" is not  surprising: he's never known or considered anything else. Questions about his parents and schooling, etc. however, elicit only silence and a blank stare. We can only imagine what that story may be. 

When fate and harsh reality pull the two friends apart, Leo cannot understand Ahd's choice or advice, but as he pushes Leo away his choked voice tells his friend, something - I'll not here reveal - but which is filled equally with the possibilities of both hope . . . and heartbreak.

Many will dismiss Sauvage/Wild as  unwatchable - and that is not an unfair take on it, and why I can't give it a general recommendation. That being said, it is one of the most moving, emotional things I've watched this year, and even when my instincts were to turn away - or close my eyes I couldn't so compelling was the story, and Mr. Maritaud's performance.

I don't know when - or if - I will watch this again, but am intrigued by this director's work, and am definitely keeping my eyes on anything in the future featuring Félix Maritaud. He is remarkable here.