Manon Coubia's debut feature, 'Forest High,' offers a captivating exploration of three women's lives as caretakers at a secluded Alpine hikers' lodge. Filmed over four seasons with documentary-like precision, the movie subtly delves into themes of escape, self-discovery, and the cleansing power of nature, making it a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Film Review: 'Forest High' — A Beguiling Mountain Retreat for the Soul

In the quiet solitude of the majestic Alps, Manon Coubia's inaugural feature film, 'Forest High,' beckons audiences to an unassuming hikers' refuge where life's clamor fades into a whisper. This cinematic journey, rooted in Coubia's decade-long experience as a mountain warden, traces the narratives of three distinct women, each finding a temporary sanctuary amidst the rugged beauty of the high mountains. The film, which recently premiered at Berlin's Perspectives competition and received a special jury mention, offers an unromanticized yet deeply engaging portrayal of human connection with nature.

The narrative unfolds across the changing seasons, commencing in the vibrant spring with Anna (portrayed by Salomé Richard). A woman in her thirties intimately familiar with the Alpine landscape, Anna seeks a pause from life's demands. Her journey is subtly interwoven with the quest of Antoine (Arthur Marbaix), a birdwatcher in pursuit of the elusive capercaillie, symbolizing a vanishing way of life. As summer arrives, the refuge welcomes Hélène (Aurélia Petit), a seasoned caretaker whose practical approach to life is balanced by moments of solitary reflection in the embracing woods. Her segment, bustling with the comings and goings of hikers, captures the communal spirit of the lodge, punctuated by unexpected observations and spontaneous joys, such as an impromptu dance party. The film concludes in the serene quietude of winter with Suzanne (Anne Coesens), a woman in her fifties seeking a new chapter after personal changes. Her experience embodies the healing power of solitude, contrasted by a gentle, reserved connection with a lone male guest, an army deserter. Through these interwoven stories, Coubia, with the sensitive lensing of cinematographer Robin Fresson on 16mm film, the seamless editing by Théophile Gay-Mazas, and the ethereal score by François Chamaraux, crafts a work that feels both intimate and expansive. The film’s focus on sensory details and its deliberate, almost meditative rhythm suggest that its true essence can only be fully appreciated in a theatrical setting, far from the distractions of streaming platforms.

This film serves as a compelling reminder that in our increasingly noisy world, moments of quiet reflection and connection with nature are not just luxuries, but necessities for the soul. The distinct experiences of Anna, Hélène, and Suzanne highlight the universal search for peace, purpose, and self-discovery, proving that sometimes, the most profound revelations occur in the simplest of settings.