Invincible

French drama Invincible is a harrowing and difficult short film about how trauma, depression and anxiety can take an unimaginable toll on young people. It’s raw and emotional, and certainly worth investing in.

Marc (Léokim Beaumier-Lépine) is a troubled 14-year-old who we meet as he makes a fateful and upsetting decision. Upon finding out his choice, his short life is recounted as he tackles mental health problems including depression, and is committed to a young persons’ facility – of which he is determined to flee. As pressures become too much, we see the consequences of a societal failure to address his issues.

Invincible’s most impressive asset is its young leading star Léokim Beaumier-Lépine. The teenager brings an astonishing depth to the role of Marc, and does undeniable justice to a tragic true-life story. Marc at times is shown to be deeply vulnerable and troubled – worn down mentally and physically from a world seemingly without the capacity to acknowledge him. At other times, he appears filled with anger and rage, ready to lash out at those who come too close. The performance makes it entirely believable that someone like Marc could slip through the system – leading to isolation that comes to define his existence. Beaumier-Lépine’s subtle yet striking embodiment of the role captures the essence of pain – he is utterly magnetic.

The film is considered and layered – with fine and insightful storytelling. Consideration of the film’s use of water could fill an essay – but its consistent use throughout the film to symbolise freedom and to allow Marc to make life-defining choices is captivating. The film feels like a snapshot of the past – appropriate given the story is based on a real friend of the director. It is difficult to make viewers feel like they have stepped back in time, but director Vincent René-Lortie accomplishes it with wonderous ease.

The plot is somewhat lucid and obtuse, but feels all the more authentic for it. René-Lortie’s desire to make the film to help comprehend and pay tribute to a lost friend is evident through the snapshot-style telling of the film – focusing on a series of key incidents in Marc’s life. The styling is suitably artistic and allows a realisation that the issues Marc faces are never straightforward – as he goes from elation in moments to numb in others. The audience may not fully grasp the lead’s actions. But that, ultimately, is the point.

Whilst viewers should be aware of its difficult content going in, Invincible is a complex and thoughtful short that helps to demonstrate that immeasurable factors go in to why people make unthinkable decisions. Through a powerful leading performance, it also acts as an emotional and heart-filled tribute to a lost friend that tugs at heart strings at the same time.