Emmanuelle Riva as Anne Laurent. Source: The Telegraph
As the days go on, both of the retired music teachers being to show signs of frustration with themselves, with each other, and with everyone around them. The physical and mental strength needed to take care of his poor wife is almost too much for Georges, but he refuses to hand the reigns over to someone else as it was a promise that he had made to Anne, much to the dismay of their daughter Eva (Isabelle Huppert). Georges sees the woman he loves disappearing before his eyes, and that's a horrific truth he can't stand.
There is a great power and humility that comes across in this film, most of which due to the incredible performances of Riva and Trintignant. The fragility of the story required two actors who can stand their own, but give everything at the same time. Both gave raw and chilling performances. They didn't hide from the script: they embraced it. It was how they were able to immerse themselves in the roles that made this film so heart breaking and brilliant.
The poignant acting of the duo was only heightened by Haneke, known for his work surrounding darker subject matters of today's society. His willingness to delve into a side of love that we rarely see is something unique in its own. But his ability to bring it to fruition is what needs to be applauded. It's hard to miss where he wanted to take this movie.
This dark film is not only a love story as depicted in it's title, but also a horror movie in some ways. Amour is tragically beautiful. It's ruthless, devastating, and inspiring all at once. You can't help but respect where Haneke has taken this film. The telling of the story surrounding a topic that could be considered taboo is not to be taken lightly.
Rating: 9/10
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