‘Her Will Be Done’ Review: Superstition Meets Smalltown Bigotry in a Grimily Atmospheric Psychodrama

Key Takeaways:

• Her Will Be Done is a psychodrama set in the French countryside.
• The film contrasts traditional idyllic imagery with darker themes.
• Superstition and small-town bigotry are central to the narrative.
• Influenced by filmmakers Bruno Dumont and Alain Guiraudie.
• Reflects a shift in cinematic portrayals of rural France.

Unveiling Darkness: ‘Her Will Be Done’ Explores Rural Bigotry

By Julia Kowalski, Reviewed by Jessica Kiang

Introduction

The French countryside has long been romanticized as a haven of tranquility, dotted with picturesque haybales, blooming wildflowers, and timeless pastoral scenes. In Julia Kowalski’s Her Will Be Done , this idyllic image is shattered, revealing a grimly atmospheric psychodrama that delves into the depths of superstition and small-town bigotry.

Shifting Landscapes in French Cinema

For years, cinema painted rural France with strokes of gold, capturing the imagination with its serene landscapes and charming simplicity. However, a recent cinematic evolution has recast these settings as backdrops for darker narratives. Gone are the days of the “uncannily beautiful goatherdesses”; instead, filmmakers explore the complexities and often unsettling realities lurking beneath the surface.

Themes of Superstition and Bigotry

At the heart of Her Will Be Done lies a community ensnared by age-old superstitions and the insidious nature of bigotry. The film unflinchingly portrays how these elements fester within the secluded enclaves of small-town life, impacting relationships and fueling conflict. Kowalski’s storytelling illuminates the destructive power of unfounded beliefs and prejudice.

Influence of Dumont and Guiraudie

Kowalski’s work echoes the darker sensibilities introduced by filmmakers Bruno Dumont and Alain Guiraudie, who reimagined the countryside as a setting rife with tension and moral ambiguity. This influence is evident in the film’s tone and thematic exploration, positioning Her Will Be Done within a lineage of contemporary French cinema that challenges traditional narratives.

Atmospheric Storytelling

The film’s atmosphere is palpable—dank, oppressive, and laced with an undercurrent of unease. Through meticulous cinematography and pacing, Kowalski immerses the audience in a world where the pastoral becomes perilous. The countryside, once a symbol of peace, transforms into a character itself, embodying the pervasive sense of dread.

Conclusion

Her Will Be Done stands as a testament to the evolving portrayal of rural France in cinema. Julia Kowalski invites viewers to confront unsettling truths about superstition and bigotry, all while enveloped in a hauntingly crafted atmosphere. The film not only redefines the landscape of the French countryside on screen but also contributes a compelling narrative to the discourse on rural societal issues.