Everything Went Fine * * * *

Apparently assisting someone who wishes to die is a serious crime in France.

In this, the latest film from the excellent Francois Ozon, an eighty five year old man who has had a debilitating stroke wishes to end it all. He asks his daughters to assist by arranging for him to go to Switzerland where euthanasia is a bit of a roaring trade apparently. You just have to do it yourself. They give you a cup of poison.  They tell you you'll die if you drink it, the rest is us up to you. No laws broken and no one else gets into trouble if you do it.

Two girls and a dying Dad

Although it deals with inevitable emotions of two women dealing with a father who wishes to end his life, much of the drama comes from the risk they are taking by helping him to get to Switzerland knowing full well what his intentions are. 

As the story unfolds other secrets come to the service regarding his sexuality, and ex-partner and other ghosts from his past.

A few years ago, Ozon gave us another topical drama in By The Grace of God,  but after last years  Summer Of 85 I thought he was back to romantic storytelling,

Nevertheless this is a fine film on a topical subject.  I like the way we are left with many unanswered questions such as, would his daughters be eventually charged, and how did he ultimately get to Switzerland when it turns out one of the ambulance drivers is a conscientious objector when it comes to assisted suicide? 

It's not short of humor either.  

I saw it at the French Film Festival 22.