Berlinale Review: Ari Reveals the Enchanting Mystery of Everyday Life

      French director Léonor Serraille’s third feature, *Ari*, portrays a profoundly sensitive young man who reflects on his place in the world while reaching out to people from his past to engage in conversations that were never taken. While it may initially sound like a setup for a parody of dialogue-heavy French dramas, the film eventually sheds these perceived tropes to reveal a raw, humanist essence that defies clichés.

      Ari (Andranic Manet) is a 27-year-old trainee teacher who struggles with interactions among children, even collapsing during a class. Following a heated argument with his father, he is thrown out of his family home. Faced with doubts about his career and lacking a place to stay, Ari finds himself on the brink of a midlife crisis, prompting him to reconnect with old friends and explain himself to those he has distanced himself from. Through these encounters—some amicable, others tense or confrontational—viewers gather clues that unveil the beautiful mystery of an otherwise ordinary life.

      This film is unmistakably French, characterized by people who engage in extensive conversations, debates, and arguments while expressing every nuance of emotion with an intricately descriptive vocabulary unique to the language. The lengthy dialogues may be off-putting to some, but Serraille’s screenplay is a noteworthy achievement. She develops the central character through his dialogues with others, sharing details about his mother’s early death, his aspirations to provide for his family, and a failed relationship with a girlfriend who became pregnant. These elements do not explicitly explain Ari’s current situation, yet they collectively contribute to a compelling, intimate portrayal of the character on screen.

      Additionally, the film does not attempt to justify why one should invest in the journey of such a so-called "loser." Instead, it lays bare the hopes, regrets, doubts, and confusion of a man striving to improve himself and those around him. As viewers witness the choices he must navigate and live with, it becomes clear how each person’s journey is both precious and significant. Towards the film's conclusion, a surprising revelation regarding the child Ari never had highlights the script's emotional strength, making the tenderness of this moment almost overwhelming.

      One noteworthy scene illustrates Serraille’s talents, showing an unexpected meeting between Ari and a gardener at his friend's seaside villa. The two straight men find themselves in peculiar circumstances, transitioning from suspicion to curiosity and flirtation quicker than anticipated. Though the exchange culminates in nothing more than a kiss, allowing both men to return to their heterosexual lives, this beautifully crafted scene not only showcases Serraille’s keen observation and naturalistic style—it also underscores the absurdity of societal rules governing pleasure, especially when much of life involves facing struggles and grief.

      Though Serraille’s writing shines, *Ari* would not achieve its impact without the depth and sincerity that Manet brings to his role. Ari is not an entirely likable character; he is flawed, often unsure of himself, lacking courage, and uncertain of how to act or speak. He might spend two hours in front of a painting attempting to discern the painter’s message, or perhaps he is simply trying to distract himself from the reality awaiting him outside the museum. With a face that clearly conveys his character’s inner turmoil, Manet fully embodies Ari, flaws and all. The honesty in his performance cuts through the extensive dialogue, providing the film with its emotional core. Even without dramatic outbursts, scenes that reveal why he urged his ex-girlfriend to have an abortion and when he understands her words during their reunion are profoundly moving and hit hard.

      At only 88 minutes, *Ari* is a deceptively simple portrayal of an apparently unremarkable protagonist. However, it is anything but trivial, as the film genuinely explores the challenges faced by the everyday person and articulately encapsulates aspects of the human experience. Don't be misled by its French identity—this film is truly authentic.

      *Ari* premiered at the 2025 Berlinale.