Slalom

   

        From France, comes this timely look at sexual abuse in sports. The story is set in the world of competitive skiing, specifically the women's downhill Slalom. The film stars Noee Albita as a 15-year-old ski prodigy and Jeremie Renier as her coach. When we first meet the characters, Lyza is starting her training with a group of other kids.  Her coach recognizes her talent and pushes her to compete as hard as she can, while at the same time, an infatuation with his star begins to show in obvious ways.

     The setup is perfect for Lyza's situation as "prey". Her parents are divorced and dad is not in her life. Mom works in a different city and Lyza is basically on her own at her school. Seeking a father figure, she becomes far too attached to her coach, who seizes on the opportunity to take advantage of her. Subtle at first, things escalate and Lyza becomes emotionally damaged with growing feelings of helplessness, guilt and misplaced longing. It begins to affect her school work which in turn threatens her skiing. With bad grades, she can longer continue to train. Her saving grace comes when she is on the slopes but as she loses herself in her conflicting relationship with her coach, even her talent becomes threatened.

       It can be a difficult film to watch as the brilliance of the acting makes it all too real. Ms. Albita is heartbreaking wearing her conflicting emotions on her sleeve and as her "predator", Mr. Renier is far too believable. The two stars have a remarkable chemistry of trust to portray these characters in this heinous situation. 

       The tension becomes almost unbearable as you wonder if Lyza will succumb to the physical and emotional pressure. Directed by Charlene Favier, who also wrote the screenplay, "Slalom" pulls no punches in an honest look at what has been brought to light in the world of women's sports.