THE HOUSE BY THE SEA

Robert Guédiguian’s (The Last Mitterand) latest slice-of-life drama is a stately tale of familial dysfunction, as three siblings reunite to visit their dying father – more out of duty than love. Old wounds are reopened before the film’s languid rhythms are disrupted when a subplot takes over, throwing the worries of the trio into sharp relief. It’s a film of subtle pleasures, with fine performances (Ariane Ascaride is outstanding) and astringent dialogue offsetting the melancholic tone. A bittersweet final shot provides the perfect grace note for a minor-key triumph. Chris Schilling