Anne+: A Poignant Portrait of Identity and Love

The opening shot of Anne+: The Film lingers on Hanna van Vliet’s face as she stares out at the Amsterdam skyline, a city that feels both familiar and foreign to her character. This quiet moment sets the tone for Valerie Bisscheroux’s drama: intimate, introspective, and deeply rooted in its protagonist’s emotional turmoil.

Bisscheroux’s film is a character study of Anne (van Vliet), a writer on the cusp of a major life change—moving from Amsterdam to Montreal to be with her great love, Sara (Jouman Fattal). The story unfolds just before this transition, as Anne grapples with her publisher’s criticism of her first novel manuscript. Her struggle isn’t just about crafting a compelling narrative but also about finding her own voice and purpose in life.

Van Vliet delivers a performance that anchors the film, her expressive eyes conveying Anne’s internal conflict with subtlety and depth. The chemistry between van Vliet and Fattal is palpable, adding emotional weight to their relationship. Supporting actors like Thorn de Vries as Lou and Eline van Gils as Lily contribute nuanced performances, enriching the narrative with layers of friendship and camaraderie.

The film’s strength lies in its quiet moments—the conversations over coffee, the lingering glances between Anne and Sara, and the introspective scenes where Anne wrestles with her own identity. Bisscheroux’s direction is measured, allowing space for the characters to breathe and for the audience to connect with their struggles. The cinematography captures the essence of Amsterdam, its canals and cobblestone streets serving as a backdrop to Anne’s existential crisis.

However, Anne+: The Film falters in its pacing. At times, the narrative feels meandering, as if it’s searching for direction just as much as Anne is. The film’s structure could have benefited from tighter editing, particularly in scenes that linger too long without advancing the story or deepening our understanding of the characters.

The originality of the film lies in its exploration of identity and self-discovery through the lens of a writer’s creative block. Bisscheroux avoids clichés by focusing on the mundane yet profound aspects of Anne’s life, making her journey relatable and authentic. The romance between Anne and Sara is beautifully rendered, avoiding the pitfalls of melodrama in favor of a more grounded and realistic portrayal.

As a drama, Anne+: The Film fits comfortably within the genre, offering a thoughtful exploration of love, identity, and the creative process. However, it occasionally strays into territory that feels more like a coming-of-age story than a mature examination of adulthood. This shift in tone can be jarring, but it doesn’t detract significantly from the film’s overall impact.

In the end, Anne+: The Film is a compelling character study that benefits from strong performances and thoughtful direction. While it has its pacing issues and occasional tonal inconsistencies, it remains a poignant exploration of love and self-discovery.