Film

GABRIELLE

*2013 Winner of the LiUNA People’s Choice Award

Delivering on the promise of her earlier work, Louise Archambault's Gabrielle is a stunning, tender film about a developmentally challenged young woman's quest for independence and sexual freedom. Living in a group home, musically talented Gabrielle has found love in Martin, a fellow member of a choir for developmentally disabled adults. Gabrielle (Marion-Rivard) and Martin (Landry) want to explore their feelings for one another physically, but are not allowed. Convinced that living alone will allow her to have the intimate relationship she so desperately craves, Gabrielle tries valiantly to prove she can be independent. At the core of this film is the heartfelt performance by Marion-Rivard (who has Williams syndrome in real life). Gabrielle's effusive giddiness is contagious, her drive unrelenting. As the choir works towards its big performance with Quebec music legend Robert Charlebois, this turbulent, moving journey is furthered by Mathieu Laverdière's ethereal cinematography. It is a captivating film about tolerance and finding happiness, but, above all, it is a story of love.