Novo 2005
Directed by
Jean-Pierre Limosin
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Graham is trapped in a world of severe amnesia, unable to remember the events of his day just hours after they happen. This condition forces him to meticulously document everything: the people he knows, his whereabouts, and even his job specifics. His employer takes advantage of Graham’s fragile state, manipulating him into a sexual relationship. Amidst this chaos, he encounters a temp named Irène, sparking a romantic connection that is challenged by Graham’s inability to recall her identity. In an effort to help him remember, Irène resorts to writing her name on his chest with a marker.
Throughout the film, viewers spot a young boy named Antoine, who often appears in places where Graham is, though Graham does not realize the significance of the child. Due to the scheming of his boss, Graham’s essential notebook falls into the hands of his friend Fred, sending him on a desperate quest to get it back.
While exploring a stream, Graham discovers a tooth, which he washes and decides to keep. Later, he is taken by two women in a town. In a moment of reckless impulse, he places the tooth inside one of the women during a fleeting encounter and falls asleep in her car. Upon waking about an hour later, he experiences flashbacks that begin to piece together his murky past.
Graham’s journey leads him to a beach, where he finds himself wandering naked and ultimately falls asleep. During the night, Antoine curls up beside him, awakening Graham with a flood of memories. He realizes that Antoine is, in fact, his son. The boy reassures him that his wife, Isabelle, forgives him for his relationship with Irène, understanding the nature of his forgetfulness. Their peaceful moment is disrupted when police approach, concerned about a young child with a naked man.
Graham’s therapist grows increasingly worried about his behavior, insisting that he cannot leave. Despite Graham’s claims of regaining some memories, the therapist remains skeptical and contemplates committing him to care. In an attempt to demonstrate his progress, Graham mentions feeling cold and requests a blanket for warmth. After receiving it, he insists that standing might help him feel better, then suddenly begins to walk around the room, creating confusion for the therapist. Seizing the opportunity, Graham makes a dramatic escape by jumping out of a window, using the blanket to cushion his fall. Antoine is waiting for him as they dash off together, laughter echoing in their wake.
In a subsequent encounter with Irène in a parking garage, Graham unknowingly brushes past her. Caught in a moment of hesitation, he turns back, but the familiarity eludes him. They share a brief connection as he helps her with her fallen boxes, but his memory fails him yet again. Almost instinctively, they lean in for a passionate kiss but soon realize the implications of their public display due to a nearby security camera. With a spark of spontaneity, Irène invites him to her home, leading the way only for Graham to forget his plans and drive through the parking barrier instead. Amused yet frustrated, Irène smiles as she follows him, signaling the ups and downs of their unpredictable relationship.
Timeline
Graham's Amnesia
Graham wakes up each day with severe amnesia, unable to retain memories of events just hours after they happen. This condition forces him to keep a meticulous record of everything in his life to help navigate his existence.
Manipulation by Employer
Against the backdrop of his memory loss, Graham's employer exploits his condition, pushing him into a sexual relationship. This betrayal adds to Graham's confusion as he struggles to understand his reality.
Meeting Irène
Graham meets a temp named Irène, and they develop a romantic connection. However, Graham's inability to remember her name or their moments together challenges their bond.
Irène's Attempt to Help
In a creative effort to aid Graham's memory, Irène writes her name on his chest with a marker. This gesture reflects both her affection for him and the obstacles they face due to his amnesia.
Antoine's Mysterious Presence
Throughout the film, a young boy named Antoine appears in various locations alongside Graham. The significance of their connection is lost on Graham, adding to the film’s mystery.
The Lost Notebook
Graham's essential notebook, which contains critical information about his life, is stolen by his friend Fred. This incident sends Graham on a frantic quest to retrace his steps and recover the important item.
Finding the Tooth
While exploring a stream, Graham discovers and retrieves a tooth. This discovery becomes symbolic of his connection to his past and urges him to hold onto the object tightly.
Reckless Encounter
During a spontaneous and reckless moment, Graham places the tooth inside one of the women he meets and falls asleep in her car. Upon waking, he is hit with disjointed flashbacks that begin connecting to his lost memories.
Reunion with Antoine
Wandering naked on a beach, Graham falls asleep only to be awakened abruptly by Antoine. This encounter sparks a flood of memories, leading to Graham's realization that Antoine is indeed his son.
Understanding and Forgiveness
In a touching moment, Antoine reassures Graham that his wife Isabelle forgives him for his relationship with Irène, aware of the nature of his amnesia. Their bonding moment is short-lived as police approach, concerned about the situation.
Therapist's Skepticism
Graham's therapist becomes increasingly alarmed by his behavior and begins to question his mental stability. Despite Graham feeling he is recovering some memories, the therapist contemplates serious interventions.
Dramatic Escape
Seizing an opportunity during a therapy session, Graham dramatically escapes by jumping out of a window and using a blanket to cushion his fall. Antoine awaits below, and they flee in laughter, celebrating their newfound freedom.
Brush with Irène
In a tense moment at a parking garage, Graham unknowingly brushes past Irène. Their fleeting connection is short-lived as Graham's memory fails him once more, creating a poignant moment filled with lost potential.
Unexpected Public Display
In a spontaneous turn of events, Graham and Irène lean in for a kiss but become aware of a nearby security camera. The realization brings a mix of humor and frustration, highlighting the complexity of their relationship.
Driving Through the Barrier
As the evening concludes, Graham, unable to remember his plans with Irène, accidentally drives through a parking barrier. This humorous mishap underlines the unpredictable nature of their encounters, leaving Irène amused yet exasperated.
Characters
Graham
Graham is a man ensnared in the complexities of severe amnesia, which prevents him from retaining memories of his daily life. His struggle for clarity drives the narrative as he attempts to piece together his identity and relationships. Despite his confusion, Graham exhibits resilience and a thirst for connection, which propels his encounters and emotional growth.
Irène (Anna Mouglalis)
Irène is a temp who forms a deep and complicated bond with Graham, demonstrating patience and understanding while dealing with his amnesia. Her willingness to help him navigate his memory issues illustrates her empathetic nature. Irène's emotional connection with Graham showcases her strength and resourcefulness, as she often takes initiative despite the unpredictable nature of their relationship.
Antoine
Antoine is a young boy who appears to Graham throughout his journey, representing a critical link to Graham's past. As Graham's son, Antoine embodies innocence and hope, reminding him of his core identity and the familial love that transcends forgetfulness. His presence serves as both a catalyst for memories and a source of emotional solace for Graham.
Isabelle (Paz Vega)
Isabelle is Graham's wife, who remains an empathetic figure in the background, providing understanding amid Graham's chaotic relationships and memory loss. Her forgiving nature highlights the complexities of love and loyalty, showcasing her strength as she navigates the challenges posed by Graham's condition. Isabelle's character adds depth to the theme of love, especially during times of hardship.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, highlighting modern themes of memory, relationships, and mental health. The narrative flow portrays a society grappling with the complexities of identity and how it is shaped by personal connections and experiences.
Location
Beach, Town, Parking Garage
The beach serves as a poignant backdrop for Graham's journey of self-discovery, where he finds both peace and chaos. The town represents a labyrinthine setting filled with people and encounters that amplify his disorientation. The parking garage symbolizes the intersections of fate, acting as a place where Graham's connections to Irène and his past materialize amidst the confusion.
Themes
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Memory
Memory plays a central role in Graham's life, governing his actions and experiences in a world where he struggles to remember even the most significant moments. His journey unfolds through fragmented recollections, emphasizing the profound impact that memory has on identity and relationships. In a constant fight against forgetfulness, Graham learns that memory is not just a function of the mind but also a deeply emotional connection to those he loves.
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Love
The theme of love is intricately woven through Graham's relationship with Irène and the revelations about his family. It highlights the complexity of romantic connections, especially when hindered by memory loss. Despite the struggles, love remains a powerful force, offering hope and a sense of purpose as Graham seeks to reconnect with his past and with those he holds dear.
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