The Good Life

A distinct spin on the coming-of-age tale, Jean Denizot’s French film tells the story of 16-year-old Sylvain (Zacharie Chasseriaud, who has grown since Bouli Lanners’ fine The Giants), who is growing up in the Loire Valley, living off the official grid with his father (Nicolas Bouchard) for reasons he is starting to realise are more pressing than philosophical. His doubts take form with his first budding love, but the film is rewardingly optimistic and hopeful, seeing possibilities instead of mere pitfalls.