Like the Ones I Used to Know

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

As part of the Narrative Shorts program for SXSW Online, Director Annie St-Pierre directed Like the Ones I Used to Know, a short film that takes place on Christmas Eve in 1983 at about 10:50 pm. While there are several characters we encounter during this film, the focus is mainly placed on Denis (Steve Laplante) and his daughter Julie (Lilou Roy-Lanouette) and raises the question of how divorce can change the way children view their parents.

As Julie and her brother Mathieu (Laurent Lemaire) are under the influence of lots of sugar and celebration bliss, they await the arrival of Santa before they are to be picked up by their father, Denis. Unbeknownst to them, Denis is in his car trying to calm his nerves before facing his ex-wife (Larissa Corriveau), her new boyfriend (Jérémie Jacob) and the former in-laws. When he does get the courage to go in, Mathieu pitches a fit over leaving as Santa has not arrived yet and leaves Julie in a position of a “stay or go” type of scenario. Ultimately, the family’s behavior towards their father and his already frazzled nerves and depression over the divorce paints a much different picture for Julie, making her decision easy but not without consequences to the illusion of her childhood.

Annie St. Pierre captures a compelling story that leaves you questioning moments in your own childhood where the curtain has fallen and you see the full picture. Lilou Roy-Lanouette’s portrayal of Julie is enchanting and sad. You want her to retain the illusion of Christmas cheer and a semi-perfect family picture, yet she learns that life no longer exists. Instead, Julie witnesses all the cracks and imperfections, not to mention the way that her mother’s side of the family treats her father as a bit of an outsider. Even her grandmother’s (Amélie Grenier) seemingly inclusive attitude comes with a hint of mockery. It is clear the family prefers the new boyfriend while her father fights off his own demons alone.

Even more compelling is the relationship between Denis and Julie, the way that Julie finally comes to be a bit protective over her father. Laplante’s performance as a bit of an anxious divorcee plays beautifully throughout the story. And even though he knows he really isn’t welcome around his ex-wife’s family, he still makes an effort for his children to try and make the transition easier on them. While Mathieu may be too wrapped up in the childhood fantasy of Santa, Julie takes notice and knows that making the right decision will change everything she knows—but still makes that choice out of love for her father.

Holidays may come with their own level of stress or sadness; they may not be perfect. But even in the imperfections there is still love and the hope that making the tough choices will make everything okay. You can find out more information about Like The Ones I Used To Know and Director Annie St-Pierre here: https://www.h264distribution.com/en/films/distribution/like-the-ones-i-used-to-know/.