Tumultes

Tumultes is a 1999 French drama film directed by Bertrand Tavernier that explores the emotional turmoil of a family as they face the untimely death of one of their own. The film stars Catherine Deneuve, Colo Vence, Karin Viard, and Mathieu Amalric. The film begins with the sudden and unexplained death of Patrick, a young man from a close-knit family in Normandy. His three sisters, Anne, Isabelle, and Claude, return to their parents' home to mourn his loss. Each of the sisters is dealing with their own grief in different ways. Anne, the eldest, is steady and married with two children, but she struggles to express her emotions. Isabelle, who has cut herself off from her family for eight years, returns from Paris to find solace in her grief. Claude, Patrick's twin, is still a student and is devastated by the loss of her brother. As the sisters come together, they must confront their own family grievances before they can grieve together for Patrick. Adding to the family's turmoil is the revelation of how Patrick died, which brings new feelings to the fore. The film ultimately asks the question of whether a death can help a family to heal, coax an aging mother back to sanity, bring a couple into each other's arms, and enable two sisters to grow. Tumultes is a moving and insightful exploration of grief, family, and the human spirit.