Cannes 2024 - Grand Tour by Miguel Gomes

Miguel Gomes’s Grand Tour is a sprawling, sumptuous exploration of love, longing, and the ghosts of colonialism. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Asia, the film follows a woman named Molly as she chases an impossible romantic dream. What begins as a journey rooted in the tropes of colonial-era storytelling quickly transforms into something far more complex and subversive, as Gomes deftly upends gender stereotypes and delivers a deeply moving meditation on self-determination and desire. 

The film’s narrative structure is as ambitious as its scope. Gomes weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, spanning both modern and ancient Asia. The result is a travelogue that feels both intimate and epic, with each location—from bustling cities to serene landscapes—imbued with a sense of history and mystery. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the idealised beauty of each setting. Every frame feels like a postcard from another time, yet the film never loses sight of its emotional core. 

At the heart of Grand Tour is Molly, a character who defies the conventions of early 20th-century literature. Unlike the passive, often objectified women of colonial-era narratives, Molly is a figure of strength and agency. Her pursuit of Edward, a man who drifts aimlessly across the continent, is not one of desperation but of determination, she is in control of her destiny. This reversal of traditional gender roles is one of the film’s most compelling aspects, offering a fresh take on a well-worn genre and Cristina Alfaiate delivers a wonderful, layered performance all in strength and vulnerability.

Edward, in contrast, is a man adrift—both literally and figuratively. His aimless wanderings stand in stark contrast to Molly’s purposeful journey, creating a poignant dynamic. Gomes uses this relationship to explore themes of power, autonomy, and the ways in which love can both liberate and constrain. The film’s emotional resonance lies in its ability to evoke the intimate, personal struggles of its characters as well as  a sense of melancholy that echoes the director much beloved's Tabu (2012). Gomes’s direction is masterful, blending some beautifully stylised tableaux with a contemporary footage of Asian cities. 

Grand Tour is a triumph of arthouse cinema, a film that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant. Miguel Gomes has crafted a travelogue that transcends time and place, offering a meditation on love and freedom, Molly’s journey is one that lingers in the mind, a testament to her strength and resilience all the way to a very beautiful and sad final shot.

Review by Laurent de Alberti

Star rating: ★★★★★

Official Selection, in competition. 

Grand Tour. Directed by Miguel Gomes. Starring Cristina Alfaiate, Gonçalo Waddington...