It’s the last day of school in Paris. Kids and teachers alike eagerly await the final dismissal and the start of their summer vacations. For Gaspard, a music teacher wrapping up his first year teaching (at his old middle school, no less), the approaching summer holiday means the first birthday he will spend without his twin sister. In lieu of a somber commemorative event, Gaspard decides to honor his sister’s last wish: while the students and teachers are away on break, gather their five former best friends at the deserted school of their youth. The friends, who have slightly drifted apart, quickly fall back into their old ways, playing games in their old schoolyard, dancing in their old classrooms, and gossiping about their old teachers. The five friends’ reunion becomes a joyous celebration of life…until a white lie throws their gathering off kilter. 

Eternal Playground, the feature debut from writer-directors Joseph Rozé and Pablo Cotton, is a sharply observed dramedy that impressively balances the grief that comes from loss with the joy of reconnecting with friends you love. Gorgeously shot in 16mm, and boasting excellent performances from a talented young cast, Eternal Playground is a beautifully intriguing glimpse at the future of French cinema.––Jason Gutierrez

Joseph Roze and Pablo Cotten