Celine and Julie Go Boating (1974) 2012

The film opens with Julie, who is peacefully seated on a park bench, engrossed in a book of magic spells. As she reads, a mysterious woman named Céline strolls by, unintentionally leaving behind a series of items reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s whimsical White Rabbit. Intrigued, Julie starts collecting Céline’s scattered belongings and finds herself drawn into a chase through the vibrant streets of Paris. There are moments when it seems like fate may separate them forever, especially during a heart-pounding sprint up Montmartre to keep pace with Céline’s swiftly moving tram, but ultimately, Céline decides to move in with Julie, setting the stage for an enchanting friendship.

As the film progresses, the narrative shifts to focus on the peculiar mansion located at 7 bis, rue du Nadir-aux-Pommes. This seemingly deserted abode serves as a portal to bizarre experiences that both women will uniquely encounter. While it appears abandoned in present-day Paris, it’s revealed that Céline has connections here from her past life as a nanny, charged with the care of a family featuring two envious sisters, a widower, and a frail child. Each time one of them visits the mansion, they delve into a surreal existence, only to be mysteriously expelled back to reality, each wearing a look of bewilderment and exhaustion, often discovering a candy lodged in their mouths that seems to hold mystical significance.

This glittering candy becomes a pivotal element, acting as a key to transport them back to the alternative reality they’ve encountered. They realize that nibbling on this treat allows them to revisit the intricate events within the mansion, one that is steeped in mystery involving a child’s untimely demise—a narrative that feels as if it’s swirling around them like a familiar stage play. With each repetition of the story, Julie and Céline begin to grapple more actively with the plot, humorously recognizing their unfolding dialogue and taking steps to inject their own sense of agency. They transform from mere observers to participants, altering the initial script with newfound confidence, and eventually take bold steps to rewrite the storyline, culminating in the act of rescuing the murdered girl.

In a stunning twist, as the women reclaim their narrative power, the boundaries between the two realities start to blend harmoniously. The conclusion sees them triumphantly returning to Julie’s apartment, but this time they aren’t alone—young Madlyn, the very girl they saved, awakens alongside them in the warmth of 1970s Paris. Seeking a moment of respite, the trio sets out for a serene boat ride on a gentle river, momentarily enjoying a blissful escape. However, an unexpected tension arises as they spot another boat carrying the remnants of the house’s previous drama. This alternate reality trails them into their own, leaving them momentarily speechless as they confront what seems like a frozen tableau of the past.

The film culminates beautifully with a striking image of Céline, who, weary yet contemplative, drifts into a light doze on a park bench. She inadvertently spots Julie rushing past her, echoing that magical moment from earlier as she drops her book once more. In a cycle of fate, Julie grabs the book and sets off in pursuit of her friend, reminding us that the adventure, much like the story, is far from over.