« Ce qui nous lie », Cédric Klapisch: a promising vintage

"What Lies Ahead": A Cinematic Journey into the World of Wine by Cédric Klapisch

If the somewhat enigmatic title doesn’t immediately suggest a wine theme, it is indeed a cinematic gem delivered by the director of The Spanish Apartment and The Peril of Youth. We’ve seen the film and here’s our take.

A Tradition of Wine Films

Following Saint-Amour in 2016 and Premiers Crus in 2015, releasing a film about wine seems to be becoming a tradition each year. This time, Cédric Klapisch dives into the world of vineyards. And fans of the filmmaker will not be disappointed. The film offers a quintessential Klapisch experience through the story of Jean (Pio Marmaï), Juliette (Ana Girardot), and Jérôme (François Civil), three siblings who inherit a vineyard in Burgundy after their father’s passing.

"What Lies Ahead": A Dramatic-Comedy About Wine

In this dramatic comedy that’s as much about wine as it is about family, all the major themes of the genre are explored: father-son conflicts, the complexities of inheritance, disagreements on soil management, and wine production techniques.

Jean, the eldest, is reminiscent of the young Xavier played by Romain Duris in The Spanish Apartment (2002). This thirty-something adventurer has left his homeland to travel the wine routes around the world, primarily to escape his father's stifling expectations.

Juliette, the youngest, takes on the role of the responsible sister and helps sustain the estate. Like a vine, she blossoms throughout the film, ultimately asserting herself in a male-dominated professional world.

The youngest, Jérémie, is caught in the bloom of a young family. He must confront the overwhelming authority of his imposing stepfather, who epitomizes the patriarchal stereotype.

A True Immersion into the Vineyard

Beyond the touching family story, Klapisch’s talent shines through as he immerses us in the grand world of viticulture, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a novice. The filmmaker has executed this to perfection. After a year of filming in the vineyards, the movie allows us to witness the evolution of a vineyard through the four seasons, from summer harvests, to spring tying and training, and winter pruning.

Leaving the cinema, one thing is certain: you’ll be eager to taste a Burgundy wine and perhaps even try your hand at the harvest!

FAQ - Ce qui nous lie

What is Cédric Klapisch's film "Ce Qui Nous Lie" about?

The film follows Jean, Juliette and Jérémie, three siblings who inherit a vineyard in Burgundy after their father's death. It is a dramatic comedy that weaves together family inheritance and the work of the vine.

Who are the main actors in "Ce Qui Nous Lie"?

The three lead roles are played by Pio Marmaï as Jean, Ana Girardot as Juliette and François Civil as Jérémie.

Which wine region is "Ce Qui Nous Lie" set in?

The story takes place in Burgundy, around the family estate. The film was shot in the vineyards and follows the estate through the four seasons.

How long did the filming of "Ce Qui Nous Lie" take?

Filming spanned a full year, which allowed the crew to capture the vineyard's complete cycle: the summer harvest, the winter pruning, and the tying and training of spring.

Which wine should you drink after watching "Ce Qui Nous Lie"?

A Burgundy wine is the natural choice, echoing the estate in the film. You can buy it direct from the winemaker, at cellar-door price, to capture the terroir Cédric Klapisch brings to the screen.