Shepherds - SIFF [2025]

Shepherds [2024]

Film

This film was viewed at the 51st Seattle International Film Festival

Any millennial who's not exactly enamored with their day job has likely thought about—if not romanticized—the idea of leaving for greener pastures. Probably not to the degree of Mathyas (Félix-Antoine Duval) who leaves his cushy advertising job in Montreal to attempt to become a shepherd in the south of France, but we're all dreaming the same dream. A grand romantic adventure of self-discovery and following one's passions sounds almost too good to be true, but as Mathyas wanders around tying up the loose ends of soon-to-be old job, one can't help but feel the heart-warming effect of the beautiful string score. Grand, sweeping music carries Mathyas in an almost spiritual-sibling introduction to Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin. Everything is going so great, there may as well be a glowing rainbow in the sky. We should be happy for Mathyas, following his dream, even if it is as seemingly preposterous as leaving the corporate world for the bucolic life doing something with zero prior experience. Such is the ethos of Shepherds, the Quebecois drama written and directed by Sophie Deraspe which she adapted from Mathyas Lefebure’s novel, the basis for Duval’s character. It's a outwardly over-emphasized fantasy in some regards, especially in the first act of Mathyas’ journey. But overall, Deraspe’s adaptation remains a gorgeous and heartfelt depiction of letting passion be your compass and a rebuke of the material world, all the while being a sharp reflection of corporate life.

When I say gorgeous, part of what I mean is the visual beauty. I can be superficial here, alright? But when I wasn't focused on Mathyas learning what an ewe is-it took me about two mentions to also figure it out-I was entranced by the picturesque French Alps. Shot on location in Southern France, Shepherds delivers a grounded vision that contrasts with the lofty romanticism preceding the mountains. Mathyas' dreaming can only take him so far, and us along with him, but when the mountains eclipse the screen, it puts his whole adventure into perspective. But the journey to the Alps isn't easy for Mathyas. Encountering numerous "bosses" that reflect the managerial styles of the corporate world he's trying to flee from, one whose chance is extraordinarily short-term and another who represents the worst out there, who beats, belittles, and even kills his subordinates.

In Shepherds, the sheep aren't just ovine supporting cast members, they are Mathyas' dream incarnate. They represent the fragmented hopes of Mathyas’ new life, culminating in a book he eventually writes about the experience. Which, knowing that the movie is an adaptation is a bit of a spoiler. Luckily, his writing happens off-screen giving us the proper bandwidth to focus on how his heart wanders from Montreal, Provence, and the French Alps. At one point Mathyas even philosophizes on how he set out to be a shepherd to be in nature and eventually write a novel, but if he doesn't then who cares, he's had a hell of a ride. As cliche as some of the moments in Shepherds prove to be-I'm picturing a nice poster with "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey" in a script font-the performances of Duval, his eventual shepherding companion Elise (Solène Rigot), and their mentor Dudu (David Ayala) are too endearing. Their chemistry is downright delightful, and the idiosyncratic characters that flow in and out of Mathyas and Elise's journey feel too realistic to reduce to a cliche. Whenever Shepherds might be sinking into such territory, the charisma of the cast and beauty of the landscape are strong enough to buoy even the lowest moments.

Deraspe and cinematographer Vincent Gonneville also utilize a passive camera, often slowly following Mathyas or the other shepherds as if we the audience are the sheep, to create an immersive experience. We aren't simply watching this adventure, we're on it. Which in turn elevates the climactic moments, regarding nature or poor management alike. Forceful storms in the Alps and belligerent breeders lashing out against the herd provide white-knuckling moments that wipe away any thought of romanticization, yet the emotional crests and troughs are fully appreciated. Deraspe's fantastic grasp of flow in Shepherds makes it so much more moving, entertaining, and also I'll say it: I think sheep are pretty damn cute now.

Watching Mathyas escape the corporate world—telling his boss to fuck off—only to face eerily similar challenges in the French Alps, reveals the true depth of Shepherds. While it begins as a romanticized dream, its grounding in harsh realities strips away idealism, not to discourage, but to illuminate. You might see it as a sly commentary on modern labor expectations. But ultimately, Shepherds is about passion over paycheck. It’s a tribute to those who dare to dream and chase that dream—even if the road is rocky, the herd unruly, and the mountains unforgiving. Still, if Deraspe’s vision is any indication, it’s absolutely worth the journey. And really—just look at that view.

Froth

It's too tall of a task to see the towering beauty of the French Alps and not think about all of the natural splendor around me that needs to be preserved. National Parks, State Parks, even just protected public land these are all essential assets for our enjoyment now, our kids, and future generations that won't know whether we did anything to help. But they'll know if we didn't.

In a flash of serendipity Bale Breaker Brewing just so happened to have a beer where a portion of proceeds go to funding our State Parks here in Washington! I Love My State Parks IPA is exactly what it sounds like, a beer ingrained so hard in the PNW that it might be growing from the very trees its working to protect. With only 45 IBU its bitterness is quite mild, but its bright colors and crisp hopiness along with a refreshing splash of melon and pineapple give it a really nice resinous, tropical flavor. You don't really taste the 6.2% ABV which makes for an easy drinking experience and it has a pretty hefty head so it looks/feels incredibly fresh.

Also if I'm talking about nature, the PNW, and beer of course I'm going to choose an IPA. It just makes too much sense. But on a serious note, the hoppy flavors and citrus notes just go too well with Deraspe's Shepherds. As far as loving nature vibes go, this is a match made in heaven, or the French Alps, they look like they might be heaven.