Coletânea - Xavier Dolan

Two childhood best friends are asked to share a kiss for the purposes of a student short film. Soon, a lingering doubt sets in, confronting both men with their preferences, threatening the brotherhood of their social circle, and, eventually, changing their lives.

Just before she is to head to Václav Havel Airport to catch a flight, political journalist Audrey Newhouse is given a last minute assignment in Prague by her editor: to interview actor Rupert Turner about his just released book which covers his years long correspondence with fellow actor John F. Donovan, who passed away approximately ten years ago from a drug overdose, with John and Rupert never having met despite that correspondence. At the time of the correspondence, John, a generation older, was an established star on television, he a series' lead portraying a mortal superhero of sorts, while Rupert was an adolescent/preteen schoolchild, he and his single mother at the time having moved overseas to Harrow in Metropolitan London. It was also a correspondence which neither John or Rupert had mentioned to anyone else until several years into it, those on Rupert's side of the story incredulous as to the authenticity of his claims, he already bullied at school which only increased because of it. It is an assignment that Audrey does not much want in not having read the book, in not being a "fluff" entertainment reporter, and believing, what little she knows of the book, Rupert, and John, the book itself a vanity piece for self-promotion. As Rupert tells his and John's respective stories, much of the latter from needing to read between the lines of the correspondence and knowing what happened to John, and the seeming parallels between the two letter writers a generation in age apart, Rupert tries to convince Audrey of the importance of the book, not only for himself as he saw the correspondence as saving him, but to others who may read it.

After 12 years of absence, Louis (Gaspard Ulliel), a writer, goes back to his hometown, planning on announcing his upcoming death to his family. As resentment soon rewrites the course of the afternoon, fits and feuds unfold, fuelled by loneliness and doubt, while all attempts of empathy are sabotaged by people's incapacity to listen and love.

An emotionally charged drama directed by Xavier Dolan. Set in a fictional Canada where parents can institutionalize problematic children, it follows the tumultuous relationship between a widowed mother, Diane, and her violent, ADHD-diagnosed son, Steve. Shot in a unique 1:1 aspect ratio, skillfully explores the dynamics of love, responsibility, and the resilience of familial bonds. With intense performances and a bold aesthetic, it is a poignant exploration of the complexities of parenthood.

The story of Tom, who is in the grip of grief and depression following the death of his lover. When he meets the family of the deceased, it is revealed the mother was not aware of her son's sexual orientation, or his relationship with Tom either, for that matter.

The movie highlights ten years in the life of a literature teacher named Laurence who transforms himself into a woman after years of concealing his feelings. Her tremulous relationship with her family is further complicated by revealing herself to them while she struggles to find comfort with her significant other Frédérique. Though others may not initially accept or understand Laurence in her true form, those who knew her before her transformation still know her as Laurence, anyways.

In a story interspersed with interview tales of romantic pitfalls, friendship turns to romantic rivalry for gay man Francis and straight woman Marie when a veritable Adonis named Nicolas enters their lives. Sexual tensions mount as Francis and Marie await Nicolas' show of preference.

Teenager Hubert haughtily regards his mother with contempt, and only sees her tacky sweaters and kitsch decorations. In addition to these irritating surface details, there is also his parent's cherished mechanisms of manipulation and guilt. Confused by this love/hate relationship that obsesses him more and more each day, Hubert drifts through the mysteries of adolescence - artistic discoveries, illicit experiences, the opening-up to friendship, and ostracism. The turbulent relationship between mother and son unfolds with a compelling combination of savage fury and melting affection. The stunning, semi-autobiographical directing debut of 20-year-old actor Xavier Dolan.