relationship can be complicated . Sometimes , they ’re made even more so because one person is so self - involve they do n’t seem cognisant of how their action affect others . place by Ira Sachs , who co - wrote the screenplay with Mauricio Zachariahs , Passagesis a tight , downplay flick about such a relationship . Bolstered by mythologic carrying out by its lead casting , Passagesdelicately and intimately search a love affair that goes awry because of one person ’s decisions .

Tomas ( Franz Rogowski ) is a German manager living in France . He ’s been marital to Martin ( No Time to Die’sBen Whishaw ) for a farseeing time , but Tomas decides to start a love occasion with a woman , Agathe ( Adèle Exarchopoulos ) , after wrap up his unexampled film . He want to tattle about it , but Tomas is uninterested in discuss this change , favour to focalize on his own feelings . Tomas and Agathe carry on in their relationship , but Tomas is ungratified . When it ’s disclose Agathe is pregnant , Tomas keep in line the situation in a bid to have both her and Martin in his biography , to messy issue .

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Passagesjuxtaposes Tomas ’ sense of ascendence . On the set of his film , Tomas knows what he want and engender it ; he ’s the boss and his wants are unarguably fulfilled . Such is not the case in his personal animation . Tomas test to verify both Agathe and Martin at various points , position himself as the victim in the situation , and manipulating and withholding sure facts to keep them both in his grasp . Tomas is a complex lineament — he thinks he knows exactly what he want , but he ’s so ego - involved that he ’s unaware of the ways in which he offend those he claims to care about .

Sachs ’ characteristic is sharp , treat a sexual love trigon with ease and care . The film is mussy because Tomas is all over the position , assert his feeling as more important than others while at the same time not knowing what he need ( though he conceive he does ) . The photographic film presents a fascinating duality andexplores it in low , sentiment - provoking detail . Despite the synopsis , Passagesisn’t over - the - top in its human relationship drama , nor is the audience asked to necessarily sympathize with the egotistic Tomas so much as empathise the destruction he leave in his wake — whether he realizes it or not . It ’s a subtle , ground report that is character - driven and emotionally resonant and effective .

One ca n’t serve but feel lamentable for Martin and Agathe throughout ; they ’re stick by in a situation they ca n’t so easily extricate themselves from emotionally , and yet they must also do what is best for them see Tomas is n’t imagine about them at all . Passagescan be too real sometimes , and it keenly mines its messy kinship play for all it ’s worth . This can lead to a routine of redundancy in full term of Tomas ’ behavior , as he ’s speedy to circle back to the same conversation if it entail potentially get what he wants , but this never detersPassagesas a whole . Tomas can be grating as a character , but that is also intentional , and audiences will come to appreciate what happens by the film ’s finish .

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Franz Rogowski is excellent as Tomas , unflinching in his portrayal of a narcissistic man wishing to have controller over others . Rogowski ’s Tomas is jealous , falling asunder , or quick to frustrate when challenged , and the histrion tip into these traits with gusto . Ben Whishaw and Adèle Exarchopoulos are evenly good in their more limited roles . Whishaw ’s Martin is trusting and gentle , while Exarchopoulos ’ Agathe is calm and collected . Their one , perhaps most authoritative , scene together says brings the celluloid together nicely and the actors hand over .

Sachs has crafted an intricate , tension - filled drama that does n’t glaze the mental confusion of itscentral love trigon — one that also does n’t play into certain image . The answer is a deplorable , realistic interpreting of a relationship live on awry , and the desperation involved to make thing the right way at the expense and pink slip of others . The film is well - paced and does n’t cart despite Tomas ’ repetitive actions . While now and then predictable , Passageshas quite a few surprises and , more importantly , provide keen commentary on relationship and the one who are leave to blame themselves up after perceptions , expectations , and trust are whole shattered .

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Passagespremiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on January 23 . The film is 91 minutes retentive and is not yet rated . Mubi will release the film afterwards this yr .

Passages is directed by Ira Sachs and search the dynamics of a dear Triangulum involving a matrimonial couple , Tomas ( Franz Rogowski ) and Martin ( Ben Whishaw ) , and a womanhood named Agathe ( Adèle Exarchopoulos ) . Set in Paris , the celluloid cut into into emotional complexness and relationship turmoil , presenting a portrait of desire and faithfulness .

Adèle Exarchopoulos and Franz Rogowski in Passages

Adèle Exarchopoulos and Franz Rogowski in Passages

Ben Whishaw as Martin standing and looking at a shirtless Franz Rogowski as Tomas sitting on a bed in Passages

Ben Whishaw and Franz Rogowski in Passages

Passages - Poster

Passages is directed by Ira Sachs and explores the dynamics of a love triangle involving a married couple, Tomas (Franz Rogowski) and Martin (Ben Whishaw), and a woman named Agathe (Adèle Exarchopoulos). Set in Paris, the film delves into emotional complexity and relationship turmoil, presenting a portrait of desire and fidelity.