Matthias & Maxime is a 2019 Canadian drama written, directed, edited by, and starring Xavier Dolan. It's about two childhood best friends in their late twenties, Matthias (Gabriel Freitas) and Maxime (Dolan), whose whole friendship gets weird after they're asked to kiss for a student short film.
That's the whole setup. One kiss they didn't think twice about, and suddenly everything feels off and neither of them knows what to do about it. It's quiet, it's intimate, and it's set in Quebec, shot mostly in French. Very much a Xavier Dolan film in all the best ways.
I found this movie because of a gif on Twitter. Spent way too long scrolling through the comments trying to figure out what it was from, and the second I got the name, it went straight on my watchlist.
The Highlights
- The leads are incredible together. Freitas and Dolan have this real, easy chemistry that makes you believe every second of their friendship.
- The cinematography is gorgeous. André Turpin shoots this with so much care. Lingering close-ups, quiet moments that just breathe, no scene hanging around longer than it should. It looks beautiful without trying too hard.
- Dolan pulls back and it works. If you know his other movies, you know he loves big emotions and bold style. This one's a lot quieter, and it actually fits the story perfectly.
- It doesn't spell anything out for you. The film trusts you to sit in the awkwardness and figure it out along with the characters. If you like stories that respect your brain, this one's for you.
Fair Warnings
- It's a slow burn. At 119 minutes, the pace is deliberate. There are parts in the middle that drag, and a few scenes you could cut without losing much. You've gotta be in the right mood for this one.
- The group scenes can feel pointless. A lot of the movie happens within a wider friend group, and some of those scenes wander before going anywhere interesting. If the group doesn't grab you early, those parts will test your patience.
- This is not a love story with a neat ending. If you want a clear romance and a satisfying wrap-up, you'll leave disappointed. It's more about figuring yourself out than getting any kind of payoff. Go in knowing that.
Final Verdict
My Rating: 7.5.
If you're into slow, character-driven movies that let things simmer, this one's worth your time. The performances and the emotional honesty carry it even through the slow parts. Just don't go in expecting a typical love story, because that's not what this is.
Have you seen Matthias & Maxime?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. Whether it wrecked you or left you cold, I want to know.
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