The story, written by Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri, revolves around Parisian politician Agathe Villanova (Jaoui) as she visits her sister and is filmed for a documentary on powerful women by her housekeeper's son Karim (Jamel Debbouze) and his friend Michel (Bacri). In the process of capturing Agathe on camera, the paths of these three disparate figures connect and begin to disintegrate, each experiencing personal crises that parallel the constant snags they face in the production of the documentary. The characters are forced to address and reconcile not only each other's issues but their own as well, finding a wiser, if not always emotionally satisfying conclusion.
Visually, "Let It Rain" is lovely to behold, with gorgeous but not overtly showcased views of Southern France that lend a sense of natural beauty to the film. The scenery is not its only enjoyable component, however. Although the story is simple, it is told with a lyrical script and a visual poeticism that turns the potentially tedious tale into an evolving and emotionally engaging portrait of the midlife dilemmas faced by the primary characters. Jaoui's performance is particularly moving as she portrays a woman of mature age who must face the choices of her youth (to focus on her career; to not have children) and the consequences. She gives Agathe a multilayered depth that is fully compelling, offering a portrait of a woman struggling to be both a strong female in a power structure dominated by men and looking to find personal satisfaction outside the professional sphere. Likewise, Bacri's portrayal of the "reporter" and documentarian Michel is a dynamic offering of a man looking to fight his own loneliness and connect with his son. One of the most poignant and subtly gripping scenes of the film occurs when Agathe and Michel partake of a joint and in their gently impaired state share with each other their deepest concerns and unguarded feelings without the inhibitions that mark their characters throughout the rest of the film. The moment is very touching and very simple but quietly illuminates the heartfelt and very real core of the film.
"Let It Rain" is entertaining without being marked by any notable violence, sex, or illicit content. Relying far more on the principles of a simple story well-told with emotional weight and believable—and relatable—characters, Jaoui's film is an engaging joy to watch and proof that it does not take blockbuster action to make an entertaining piece of cinema.
Genre: Drama. Directed by: Agnes Jaoui. Written by: Agnes Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri. Starring: Agnes Jaoui, Jean-Pierre Bacri, Jamel Debbouze, Pascale Arbillot