Spare Keys
2023, France, 105 min – Drama, Coming of Age
In French with English Subtitles
Synopsis
In Nancy, situated in the east of France, during the summertime, 15-year-old Sophie yearns to break free from her tumultuous family life. Seizing an opportunity, she acquires the spare keys to her affluent friend Jade’s house. Initially assuming the spacious residence to be uninhabited for the summer, Sophie unexpectedly encounters Jade’s older brother, Stéphane, who, coincidentally, had planned to stay as well. Rather than insisting she leaves, Stéphane decides to let the door open, ushering in a summer for Sophie that exceeds all expectations.
Directed by
Jeanne Aslan, Paul Saintillan
Cast
Céleste Brunnquell (Origin of Evil, In Treatment), Quentin Dolmaire (My Golden Days, Synonyms)
Reactions
A success. Biba
In the form of a continuous and uninterrupted dialogue, Jeanne Aslan and Paul Saintillan compose a poetic tale, infused with ephemeral moments and melancholy. It is undoubtedly one of those films that one never tires of watching. Culturopoing.com
Awarded at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, ‘Spare Keys’ is the first feature film directed by Jeanne Aslan and Paul Saintillan. Beautifully interpreted, it has many reasons to please. Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace
Midway between social drama and summer tale, ‘Spare Keys’ is largely driven by its two excellent lead performers, making it a very charming and nuanced comedy. GQ
In their first joint directorial venture, Jeanne Aslan and Paul Saintillan follow the emancipation of a teenager from a working-class neighborhood in Nancy, portrayed by the radiant Céleste Brunnquell, attempting to escape a dysfunctional family. L’Humanité
Céleste Brunnquell seems to inhabit her character effortlessly, confirming her potential after being nominated for the 2020 César Award for Best Female Newcomer for her role in ‘Les Éblouis.’ Le Dauphiné Libéré
A beautiful film, alternately as serious as a dream and as cheerful as a lullaby, ‘Spare Keys’ unfolds in the leisurely time of summer, depicting a privileged relationship between two statuesque and lonely souls, stranded between the ping-pong table and the terrace smoke. Les Fiches du Cinéma
‘Spare Keys,’ a film unbounded by constraints, finds its proper rhythm in the midst of a sunny and somewhat naive tone reminiscent of a fairy tale and comics. Céleste Brunnquell, an astonishing actress of anti-mastery, brilliantly humble, imparts flexibility and nuances to everything she touches. Les Inrockuptibles
A story of two loners who tame each other and a gentle portrait of an adolescent, Jeanne Aslan and Paul Saintillan’s film finds its unique voice by avoiding expected scenes and passages. Libération
A delicate and Rohmeresque debut film, featuring the dazzling Céleste Brunnquell. Télérama
