Rough Cut Reviews

A Film Born from Friendship and Farewell

Enzo is not a typical cinematic release. Originally envisioned by celebrated French director Laurent Cantet, the film was brought to life by his longtime friend and fellow filmmaker Robin Campillo after Cantet’s passing in April 2024 due to cancer. Campillo, known for 120 BPM (Beats per Minute), stepped in to direct the project as a tribute to Cantet’s vision, resulting in a deeply emotional and personal film.

The story follows 16-year-old Enzo, portrayed by newcomer Eloy Pohu, a teenager from a privileged background who dreams of becoming a bricklayer—an aspiration his father fails to comprehend. On a construction site, Enzo meets Vlad (Maksym Slivinskyi), a Ukrainian immigrant whose presence sparks an awakening of profound desire in the young boy. The film delicately explores identity, class, and longing through a coming-of-age lens.

Critics and Audiences Respond Warmly

On AlloCiné, Enzo holds a solid average rating of 3.9 out of 5 from the press, and 3.8 from general viewers, reflecting an overall positive reception.

Among the most frequent comments is praise for the emotional depth of Campillo’s gesture. Many highlight how Enzo feels like a seamless blend of Cantet’s socio-political sensitivity with Campillo’s radiant, lyrical storytelling. As one reviewer put it, it’s a “beautiful passing of the torch” between the two filmmakers.

Boyan Tulechki echoed this sentiment, noting how the film “captures bodies, social groups, and human tensions” in a way that feels distinctly influenced by Cantet’s legacy. Another viewer remarked that Campillo successfully pays homage without overshadowing his own artistic identity, delivering a poetic tribute to his late friend.

A Star in the Making

Eloy Pohu, a first-time actor, has been widely praised for his performance. Audiences describe his presence as “incredibly charismatic,” while the chemistry between him and co-star Maksym Slivinskyi—himself a real-life bricklayer—adds to the film’s authenticity.

The portrayal of adolescence, especially through the lens of sexual identity and social barriers, has been described as “tender, luminous, and political.” For many, Enzo stands out as not only a heartfelt farewell to a director but also a vivid portrait of youth and desire in today’s world.

Bond Franchise in Search of a New Vision

While Enzo reflects on the past, another franchise is setting its sights firmly on the future. The next instalment in the James Bond series is currently in development, and a shortlist of five directors has emerged to potentially helm the high-profile project. This comes after Amazon, through Jeff Bezos’ company, acquired the rights to the legendary spy saga.

The five contenders are seasoned filmmakers with strong cinematic pedigrees:

• Denis Villeneuve – Known for Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Sicario, Villeneuve is seen as a natural choice for a franchise of Bond’s calibre.

• Edward Berger – The German director behind the Oscar-nominated All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave is gaining international attention.

• Edgar Wright – The British auteur known for Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver, and Last Night in Soho brings a dynamic and stylised approach that could redefine Bond.

A Nolan—But Not That One

Surprising many, it’s not Christopher Nolan in contention, but his brother Jonathan Nolan, co-writer of The Prestige, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar, and showrunner of Westworld. His mix of blockbuster writing experience and television expertise adds an intriguing edge to the list.

Lastly, Paul King, better known for the Paddington films and Wonka, is also being considered—a somewhat unexpected but potentially refreshing choice for the franchise.

It’s also worth noting that Alfonso Cuarón, once among the potential candidates, has reportedly withdrawn from the race.