FemmeFilmFest20 Review: Just Me and You (Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers)

Just Me and You (Juste moi et toi) is a short, Canadian film directed by Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers. It takes us on a poignant journey between father and daughter without relying on much dialogue. Instead, focusing on imagery and perspective to tell the story.

Eight year old Eva (Dalia Binzare) is going on a road trip with her dad from Montreal to Mexico. They head out in his 18 wheeler truck on what she believes is a beach vacation. However, it eventually becomes clear there are very different motivations at play for her importer/exporter father.

The twenty minute film, shown through young Eva’s eyes begins with excitement, and colorful visuals which guide her journey. They stop at the beach to get coconut drinks in a briefly sweet moment and she takes in her surroundings. However, the film becomes more muted in color and optimism as it continues. We, along with Eva become less positive, as the truth of the situation begins to unfold.

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After crossing the border late at night, Eva awakens in the truck alone. She witnesses her father interacting with what we assume to be illegal immigrants. While there are no official explanations the subtext is clear. Eva’s told to keep what she saw quiet. After reaching the check points, her father heartbreakingly thanks her her silence. Then they’re back on their way home.

Knowing there will be no beach trip, Eva learns the reality of the situation, without an explanation. We see this understanding illustrated through Eva’s mannerisms and expressions. Her reactions, though subtle, are both heartbreaking and deeply felt.

The relationship between Eva and her father is loving but also secretive. Eva has been basically duped into this journey across the border, for reasons that are never really made clear. Her naivety is expressed through wide eyed and longing shots and everything we witness through her eyes. Yet, at the same time, for only eight, Eva possesses a strength and acceptance of the situation that indicates she’s wise beyond her years.

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It’s hard to accept the imperfections of our parents, or the challenges they face as real people. But little Eva seems to understand. Though fraught with conflict, the love between father and daughter is clear.

When they arrive back home, she runs into her mother’s arms, asking if it’s over as her father heads right back out on the road.

Just Me and You explores the frailty between father daughter relationships. The innocence of the young, the obligations of the grown, and how sometimes without communicating at all, so much can be expressed between two people.

When Eva returns home, she is, in a sense, a different girl. Not the same one who innocently drank from coconuts at the beach. Or the one who worked in her coloring book from the hotel room alone. At the same time, the safety of your mother’s arms is always a place of comfort to return to, no matter what your age.

See the full Femme Festival lineup here