The Broken Circle Breakdown

This Flemish slice of catharsis explores how a couple become divided after losing their seven-year old daughter to cancer.
Reminiscent of Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine, the non-linear narrative presents us with three different timelines – the young lovers Didier (Heldenberg) and Elise (Baetens) falling for each other; the family’s struggle when daughter Maybelle (the heartbreakingly gorgeous Nell Cattryse) becomes ill; and a depiction of the toll the disease has taken on the parents, and their relationship.
As Didier, Heldenberg exudes a tender romanticism, with big basset hound eyes that express his love, fear and often violent sense of loss. Though an atheist, he has a childlike idolatry for America, both its music and that infamous Dream. In contrast, Elise, an enigmatic rockabilly whose countless tattoos often cover-up names of ex-lovers, is devoutly religious. As time jumps, we see how loss of faith and self-blame effects both, and how the caverns of connection and understanding grow wider. The juxtaposition between scenes of initial infatuation to the heaviest of burdens intensifies the emotional impact of both.
Shot in beautiful saturated light that becomes tainted with red as anger and devastation begin to dominate, the characters’ performances in a bluegrass band punctuate the film, proving incredibly poignant. Though pile-ons of tragedy detract from the overlong final act the stunning performances and gorgeous soundtrack make for a beautiful and raw experience.