La traction des pôles AKA Magnetic Harvest (Marine Levéel, 2019) France

La traction des pôles (Magnetic Harvest) is a 2019 French short film directed by Marine Levéel. This film explores themes of love and emotional connection within a rural setting, focusing on the complexities of queer relationships.
Synopsis
The narrative centers around Mickaël, a pig farmer living in the French countryside. His life takes a turn when Paul, a charming and youthful figure from his past, unexpectedly reappears. The film captures the nuances of their relationship, highlighting Mickaël's internal struggles and desires as he navigates his feelings for Paul amidst the backdrop of rural life.
Themes and Style
Visual Storytelling: Magnetic Harvest is noted for its lack of dialogue, relying instead on visual cues and body language to convey the characters' emotions. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of the internal landscape of its protagonists, creating an intimate portrait of their hidden feelings.
Queer Representation: The film is significant within the context of queer cinema, presenting a tender love story that defies traditional narratives. It emphasizes the importance of emotional connections over mere physical attraction, making it relatable to many viewers within the LGBTQ+ community.
Cinematic Technique: Marine Levéel employs vibrant cinematography to depict the rural environment, which serves as both a setting and a character in its own right. The film's aesthetic choices reflect the beauty and complexity of rural life while also underscoring the isolation often felt by queer individuals in such settings24.
Reception
Upon its release, Magnetic Harvest garnered attention at various film festivals and was praised for its artistic approach to storytelling. Critics highlighted Levéel's ability to blend personal narrative with broader themes of love and acceptance in contemporary France34.
Overall, La traction des pôles (Magnetic Harvest) stands out as a poignant exploration of queer love in a rural context, showcasing Marine Levéel's talent for creating emotionally resonant narratives through innovative cinematic techniques.