“Fario” follows Léo, a young engineer returning to his rural village to sell his late father’s farmland to a mining company, sparking conflict with his family and friends. As Léo investigates peculiar behavior among local trout, the film explores ecological themes and personal trauma, delving into grief following his father’s suicide. Directed by Lucie Prost, this feature blends genre cinema with intimate storytelling, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences and environmental concerns, and is now in theaters.
What is Fario About?
Léo, a talented young engineer with a passion for nightlife, finds himself back in his rural village in Doubs. His mission? To sell his late father’s farmland to a corporation specializing in rare metals drilling. However, upon returning, he reconnects with his mother, younger sister, friends, and cousin, all of whom oppose the mining initiative. As Léo dives deeper into his investigation, he begins to notice peculiar behaviors among the river’s trout, leading him on a surreal journey.
Entering the Realm of the Extraordinary
Fario, making its mark as director Lucie Prost’s debut feature, was showcased at the prestigious 77th Locarno Film Festival and participated in the ‘Premiers rendez-vous’ category at the recent Angoulême Francophone Film Festival. This gripping cinematic experience, which Prost also penned, is part of a genre that has garnered significant attention in recent years.
“My venture into genre cinema was inspired by Hubert Charuel’s film Petit Paysan, which opened many avenues for me. When Le Règne animal hit theaters during my post-production phase, I noticed thematic similarities. Yet, I believe Fario leans more towards the marvelous than just the fantastic,” she elaborates.
Upon returning home to oversee the sale of inherited land, Léo detects unusual phenomena involving the trout. The encroachment of a rare-metal drilling company aiming to purchase his land raises suspicions and makes Léo contemplate the connection between the fish’s peculiarities and the impending environmental threats.
As Léo investigates and grapples with the concerns of his community, the film offers a profound ecological commentary. It tackles the pressing issue of river pollution while shedding light on the struggles faced by those in agriculture. “The essence of living beings was the film’s cornerstone, promoting the notion that humanity does not possess nature but is part of it,” Prost emphasizes.
“Rather than create a straightforward advocacy film, I chose to interweave a more personal narrative around a farmer’s struggle with suicide. Farmers share a deep connection with the earth and its offerings, so I centered the story around a family dynamic involving a brother, sister, and cousin—those who remain behind,” she adds.
Unveiling Deeper Themes
Fario transcends its vital ecological message by weaving an intimate tale of Léo as he grapples with grief and depression. Having left his hometown shortly after his father’s passing, Léo’s return forces him to confront both his memories and the unease of those who stayed behind.
“This homecoming is fraught with complexity for him and his acquaintances. His presence will disrupt the environment he steps into, reflecting truths back at them. Leaving just after his father’s suicide, Léo has buried his pain in denial. His character is divided, suppressing his trauma to maintain stability. The journey toward recognizing his depression and healing involves confronting this trauma and acknowledging his vulnerabilities,” asserts the director.
While the film embraces elements of the marvelous, the emotions surrounding grief and pain linger just beneath the surface—ever-present but not immediately visible. Are the trout changing to fit their surroundings? One thing remains certain: Léo may need to adapt to navigate his personal crisis.
Prost casts Finnegan Oldfield, known for his roles in Coupez! and Vermines, to lead her film. “I appreciated his unique personality, dynamic spirit, and his nuanced characteristics. At times, he embodies a bit of Léo in social settings. This duality was perfect for the role,” she shares.
Supporting him are Florence Loiret Caille (from Le Bureau des légendes), the young Léna Laurent, and Megan Northam (from Les Passagers de la Nuit), portraying Léo’s mother, sister, and childhood friend, respectively. His journey back home and subsequent investigation aim to rekindle connections with them.
Experience Fario, Lucie Prost’s remarkable debut feature, now playing in theaters.