"Who by Fire" highlights male rage in Quebec retreat

Philippe Lesage's new film, "Who by Fire," explores themes of male rage and vulnerability during a retreat in the Quebec mountains. The story centers around Blake Cadieux, a middle-aged filmmaker who invites friends and colleagues to his remote lodge. The film unfolds over several days without modern distractions like cellphones. Instead, one guest uses a manual typewriter, hinting at a slower pace of life. Tensions rise between Blake and Albert, an old friend and screenwriter, as they confront personal and professional grievances during their stay. Notably, younger characters like Jeff, a teen filmmaker, grapple with their own emotions. Jeff's attempts to impress Blake and gain acceptance lead to awkward and aggressive interactions, especially with Aliocha, Albert's daughter, highlighting the complexities of male relationships. Blake and Albert’s banter gradually reveals deeper issues as they challenge each other's life choices over dinner. Other guests at the lodge watch, adding to the film's tension. Lesage captures the dynamic through long takes, emphasizing the discomfort and unresolved rivalries. As the characters engage in various outdoor activities, Jeff's struggles symbolize a broader commentary on masculinity, illustrating feelings of inadequacy against the backdrop of nature's harshness. Aliocha, while showcasing her independence, becomes a central figure, embodying a counter-narrative to male struggles. The soundtrack, notably absent of Leonard Cohen's "Who by Fire," metaphorically underscores themes of mortality. Lesage's film presents a multi-generational view of male identity, ultimately leaving characters—and viewers—facing the void of their emotional turmoils.