TIFF 2024: Shepherds (With Movie Trailer)
Looking for a film that will transport you to the serene and rugged landscapes of the French Alps? “Shepherds” is the one you won’t want to miss at TIFF 2024. Directed by Sophie Deraspe, this Canadian-French film brings a fresh perspective to the classic “reinventing oneself” story, and it’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally gripping.
From the City to the Mountains: Mathyas’ Journey
The story kicks off with Mathyas Lefebure (played by Félix-Antoine Duval), a Montréal copywriter who’s hit a bit of a rough patch—think health scare meets existential crisis. So what does he do? He ditches his urban life and takes a wild leap of faith, moving to the French Alps to become a sheep herder. Sounds crazy, right? Especially since he knows nothing about herding sheep. But that’s part of the charm of this movie.
As Mathyas stumbles through the early days, you can’t help but root for him. And just when things seem too much, Élise (Solène Rigot) enters the picture. She’s a civil servant who’s had enough of her own routine and is drawn to Mathyas’ romanticized version of pastoral life. Together, they take on this adventure, armed with nothing but a border collie, 800 sheep, and a whole lot of determination.
A Visually Stunning and Realistic Take on Pastoral Life
One of the coolest things about “Shepherds” is how it doesn’t sugarcoat the shepherding life. Sure, the scenery is breathtaking, but the reality of the job? Not so much. There’s a rawness to it—brutal at times, yet Sophie Deraspe manages to balance this with moments of beauty and tranquility that make you understand why people are drawn to this kind of life.
If you’re a fan of Sophie Deraspe’s earlier works like “Antigone” or “Vital Signs,” you’ll notice that “Shepherds” takes her storytelling to a new level. The film is grounded in the true story of Lefebure’s 2006 book, making it all the more compelling.
A Must-See at TIFF 2024
Whether you’re drawn in by the stunning landscapes, the unique storyline, or the incredible performances by Duval and Rigot, “Shepherds” is a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. It’s a deep dive into the quest for meaning and the unexpected paths we sometimes take to find it.
Showtimes:
So, grab your tickets and get ready to be swept away by this extraordinary tale. Here’s when you can catch “Shepherds” at TIFF 2024:
- Friday, September 6 at 8:45 am – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Saturday, September 7 at 6:00 pm – TIFF Lightbox
- Sunday, September 8 at 7:30 pm – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Tuesday, September 10 at 8:30 am – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
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