August 32nd on Earth

Synopsis

August 32nd on Earth (Un 32 août sur terre) is a 1998 Canadian drama film written and directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Pascale Bussières as Simone. The story follows Simone, who unexpectedly survives a car accident and becomes fixated on the idea of having a child with her friend Philippe (Alexis Martin). She persuades him to join her on a road trip to the vast salt flats of Utah where they meet two drifters, Boris and Livia, who offer a unique solution to Simone's predicament. The journey becomes a surreal yet introspective exploration of desire, friendship, and the search for meaning in life. With stunning cinematography capturing the stark beauty of the desert landscape, August 32nd on Earth is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of one's innermost desires.

Cast

• 

  Pascale Bussières

  Simone Prévost

• 

  Alexis Martin

  Philippe

• 

  Paule Baillargeon

  Hospital Doctor

• 

  Emmanuel Bilodeau

  Philippe's Best Friend

• 

  Joanne Côté

  Monica

• 

  Frédéric Desager

  Stéphane

Reviews

August 32nd on Earth has garnered mixed reviews from critics, reflecting its unconventional storytelling and visual style. While some reviewers praised the film's dreamlike atmosphere and the subtle performances of Pascale Bussières and Alexis Martin, others found the narrative too elusive and the pacing slow. Rotten Tomatoes critics' consensus states, 'August 32nd on Earth is a visual treat with thought-provoking themes, but its meandering plot may not appeal to all viewers.' IMDb gives it a rating of 6.5/10, while Metacritic has scored it at 61/100. The film's unique approach to exploring themes of identity and self-discovery has sparked debates among cinephiles and critics, with some hailing it as a hidden gem of Canadian cinema and others dismissing it as pretentious or lacking in emotional depth.