LET THE SUNSHINE IN is a series of episodes in the life of middle aged woman Isabelle (Juliette Binoche) who is a successful artist and yet she is lonely as she tries the world of romance after her marriage is over. Juliette Binoche shines in this movie and she still looks as beautiful as she was in BLUE (the first movie I saw her in back in the early 1990s). You feel for her as she dates and sleeps with various middle aged men including her ex-husband, a married man, and an actor.

LET THE SUNSHINE is a drama that people who are middle-aged or dealing with what's next after the end of a long relationship (example- the end of Isabelle's marriage). People who have went on dates with different people and hooked up can also relate to it. The episodic nature of the movie fits how life is instead of a central narrative story. It can be challenging for middle aged women to find new relationships where middle aged men have an easier time sometimes to find new relationships. The essay booklet included in the case hits the thoughts about the movie the best- it is a movie about middle aged loneliness. When you hit middle age and you live alone part or all the time, you will feel it and want to make it through the day easier.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
The Criterion Collection has recorded two new interviews:
The first with actor Juilette Binoche as she talks about making the movie and the character she plays
The other interview is with director Claire Denis who talks about the movie

Then there is Voila l'enchainment (2014) that is a tedious short film that the director made while she was teaching at a French film school. It focuses on the meltdown of a interracial relationship and features actors Norah Krief and Alex Descas. It feels too much like a demo reel made on a theater stage.

Theatrical trailer plus an essay on the film (which is included in the case)

FINAL ANALYSIS: Juliette Binoche nails it with this meditation on middle-aged loneliness and how to get by. If you want a drama with no easy answers and feel episodic like life is, LET THE SUNSHINE IN is the movie to watch. If you're a fan of Juliette Binoche and director Claire Denis, you should own this one.


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