Drifting Laurent

Laurent ends up at a deserted off-season ski resort, overcome with anxiety. The only reason he’s there—and not somewhere else—is because his sister’s girlfriend has an unoccupied family apartment there. From unlikely encounters (the wonderful Béatrice Dalle) to a more or less botched romantic adventure with a local photographer, the film is often funny and zany. Its greatest strength is its ability to blend this farce with moments of intense melancholy, tenderness, and despair. It sometimes brings Guiraudie to mind, but with more gentleness, warmth, and grace.