Of all the directors of the French New Wave — the most defining movement in cinema — Agnes Varda’s films have stood the test of time most enduringly.A review of Cleo from 5 to 7

Of all the directors of the French New Wave — the most defining movement in cinema — Agnes Varda’s films have stood the test of time most enduringly. “Cleo from 5 to 7” explores our self-perception and how our identity attaches to this perception. Cleo’s journey is not just a physical one through Paris but an introspective quest to find meaning in the face of potential death. Varda deftly examines themes of femininity, portraying Cleo’s evolution from a figure defined by her beauty and celebrity to a woman who confronts her vulnerabilities and seeks authenticity. The film’s feminist undertones are both subtle and striking.

Varda’s greatest strength here is her visual and stylistic brilliance. The innovative use of handheld cameras and long tracking shots create a sense of immediacy and immersion. However, the most important and impressive part is the initial color sequence that transitions into black and white, symbolically stripping away superficial layers and mirroring Cleo’s journey toward self-discovery. Mirrors and reflections are recurring motifs, serving as metaphors for Cleo’s self-examination and the duality of her public persona versus her private self. By the end, Cleo is no longer afraid, depicting the completion of her self-discovery and her embrace of a deeper, more personal self.

“Cleo from 5 to 7” is more than just a film; it is an experience — a poignant, visually stunning journey through the human psyche. This is my first Varda film, and what an introduction to her work it has been. It’s her birth anniversary, so I thought I would honor her by watching this masterpiece.