Scarlet (2022), also known as L’envol, is a French-Italian-German drama film directed by Pietro Marcello. Loosely based on the 1923 novel Scarlet Sails by Alexander Grin, the film blends history, fantasy, and romance into a visually poetic narrative.
Plot Overview
Set in the aftermath of World War I, the story follows Raphaël (Raphaël Thiéry), a war veteran who returns home to find himself widowed and left to raise his infant daughter, Juliette (Juliette Jouan). As Juliette grows up in rural Normandy, she dreams of escaping her small world and finding adventure beyond the horizon.
Her fate takes a mystical turn when she encounters a mysterious woman who prophesies that one day, scarlet sails will carry her away to a new life. As Juliette navigates love, loss, and self-discovery, the film delicately intertwines realism with fairy-tale elements.
Why It Stands Out
- Dreamlike Cinematography: Shot on Super 16mm, the film’s visuals evoke a nostalgic and ethereal atmosphere.
- Blending of Genres: The movie seamlessly combines historical drama, magical realism, and folklore.
- Strong Performances: Raphaël Thiéry and Juliette Jouan deliver compelling portrayals of their characters.
Reception
Scarlet premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section and later screened at the Busan International Film Festival. It received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its lyrical storytelling and visual beauty.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 79% rating, with critics describing it as a “bewitching period fantasy”.