The Two of Us could have been a sweet romantic drama all about lifelong devotion regardless of the circumstances, but instead, first time director Filippo Meneghetti makes it feel more like an unsettling thriller that captures the paranoia and near insanity it feels to be closeted– with Nina having to beg Mado to tell her family, having to hide in what has become her own home, and having to bargain and manipulate her way to Madeleine’s side. Two of Us is quite a stunning debut with such a unique depiction of a lesbian relationship.
"The revelation here is Chevallier-or, to quote the end credits, "Martine Chevallier of the Comédie Française"-as Mado."
— Anthony Lane
"Meneghetti is going places."
— David Jenkins
Nina and Madeleine have been sharing their lives and the landing between their two apartments for decades. After more than 20 years of loving in the shadows, Madeleine promises Nina she will tell her family the truth. It takes an unexpected event to show her the importance of living your truth.
After decades being together, pensioners Nina and Madeleine have forged a secret, passionate relationship, taking advantage of the passage between their two apartments in order to visit each other without anyone else’s knowledge. They hope to move to Rome, until one of them has a stroke, and becomes mute and paralyzed, unable to tell everyone the truth about their relationship.
The thriller aspect certainly stands out, but it wouldn’t have worked without the excellent performances of Barbara Sukowa as Nina and Martine Chevallier as Madeleine.
We’re still not sure why France chose this over Portrait of a Lady on Fire a year prior for their lesbian Oscar submission, though.
