Leaving

The story in Leaving (Partir) is not particularly original - but it is one of several recent French films to hit the UK for which that doesn't matter. It's a simple story, well told.

Kristen Scott Thomas is the housewife of a successful doctor - she has a nice middle class life complete with stylish house and two great children. Then, when renovation is carried out on the property, she falls for the builder and starts a passionate affair, eventually leaving her husband. The film follows this story.

Some parts are better than others - for example, I don't think the scene where she confesses to her husband is either realistic or good. Equally, sometimes you actually wonder whether you like any of the characters at all. Nonetheless it remains a neat little drama - a bit Lady Chatterley meets Romeo and Juliet maybe, but still a worthwhile trip to the cinema. If nothing else you get to see another great performance by Kristen Scott Thomas.

Perhaps still best known for the posh and bitchy Fiona in Four Weddings and a Funeral, a very English role in a very English film, her best performances have been her ones in recent French films. There may be a slight irony with a seemly quintessentially 'English actress' doing her best work in French films, but with Leaving, Tell No One and the truly excellent I've Loved You So Long she has recently put together some sublime work.