A sudden diagnosis leaves Nino, a young man in his late 20s, facing mortality with grace, quiet humour, and the company of family and friends over the course of his birthday weekend, all anchored by Quebec actor Théodore Pellerin’s soulful performance.
On the eve of his 29th birthday, Nino is blindsided by a devastating diagnosis. Told he must begin aggressive treatment within days, and bank his sperm if he hopes to start a family, a life of delayed decisions and casual commitments suddenly becomes urgent. To complicate matters, Nino has once again lost his apartment keys, forcing him into a reflective walkabout of sorts that depends on the goodwill of intimates from his past.
Pauline Loquès’ debut feature explores this moment of upheaval with quiet sensitivity and gentle humour. Instead of leaning into sentimentality, Nino observes the quotidian: small talk with old friends, a brief reconnection with an ex, and a touching moment with his mother, who mistakes his silence for something else entirely. Nino finds it hard to unburden himself to those around him, but the weight of his reality is deeply felt and externalized onto the city of Paris through cinematography that emphasizes its capacity to alienate. The film finds poetic stillness amid the urban bustle.
Théodore Pellerin (TIFF Rising Star ’17; Solo, TIFF ’23) delivers a quietly compelling performance, capturing Nino’s inner turbulence with subtlety and grace, winning a Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award at Cannes this year for this role. With Nino, Loquès presents a delicate, humane portrait of a young man facing mortality with surprising resilience. It’s a moving reflection on what we share — and what we keep to ourselves — when time suddenly feels short.
ROBYN CITIZEN
Screenings
Scotiabank 10
TIFF Lightbox 3
Scotiabank 9