Gabrielle

R

Released Apr 18, 2014

1h 44m

Drama

Romance

List

89%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

76%

Audience Score

500+ Ratings

A young woman who has Williams syndrome possesses amazing musical talents but struggles continually to gain her independence.

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Critics Consensus

Bolstered by strong, natural performances, Gabrielle's sincere look at differently abled young adults nimbly walks the line between sweet and cloying.

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Michael Sragow

Orange County Register

Writer-director Louise Archambault uses a free and easy camera style and mosaic-like editing to suggest how intensely Gabrielle responds to elements of everyday life.

Rated: B

Jul 7, 2014

Full Review

Betsy Sharkey

Los Angeles Times

Casting Marion-Rivard in the title role was a risk that paid off, giving the film its authenticity, also its imperfections, which are easy enough to live with.

Jul 3, 2014

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Stephen Holden

New York Times

If "Gabrielle" is a likable crowd-pleaser, it would be much better without the extra dollop of organic honey.

Jul 3, 2014

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

This thought provoking French language film is a tender tearjerker, but undeniably soul-stirring. Marion-Rivard, in her debut performance, is riveting and lovable; a character you can't help but root for.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 1, 2021

Full Review

Brian D. Johnson

Maclean's Magazine

When members of the the choir trade verses of his poignant ballad 'Ordinaire' (Je suis un gars bien ordinaire..."), it has never had such heart-breaking resonance.

Aug 7, 2019

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Sarah Gopaul

Digital Journal

Quebecois writer/director Louise Archambault's sophomore feature is a skillfully told celebration of the human spirit.

Nov 1, 2018

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Dave S

Early in the Canadian Screen Award winning Gabrielle, a character states a universal truth – everybody wants to be loved. Such is the case in the relationship between Gabrielle (Gabrielle Marion-Rivard) and Martin (Alexandre Landry), two mentally disabled young adults who find themselves in a relationship that is tamped down by those who have the misguided belief that they have the young couple's best interests in mind. Filled with joy and heartache, the movie feels real from start to finish, thanks in large part to the remarkable performance from the non-professional actress Marion-Rivard and a script that avoids both overt emotional manipulation and the maudlin. The jerky handheld camerawork does feel like a bit of a distraction early on in the movie, but it is, overall, a great viewing experience.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/19/23

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Serge L

Love story between mentally challenged that is practically perfect. The acting is incredibly good and fresh, the story fetching. Simple but effective.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/02/18

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Audience Member

An interesting look into the lives of developmentally challenged adults, from obstacles to creative outlets, as well as their family dynamics.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent performances. Very real and very moving. Music is terrific. Treatment of disabilities is handled in a matter-of-fact and supportive way.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie was awesome. For this movie to come out of Canada is even more incredible.It has Unbelievable performances from the characters in the film named Gabrielle and Martin. This movie should have been at the Oscars, but the simplicity of the story might be the reason than the rest of the powerful execution for not making thus far. The real winners are these two lead characters, who made the movie into a splendid piece of art. It makes so sad for not widely noticed, could have been appreciated everywhere if it was a Hollywood product. So what I say is dub this movie and spread it because I don't want movie goer to miss this wonderful flick.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

French Canadian movie about a young woman with Williams syndrome. It was also the Canada's entry for the 86th American Academy Awards, but it did not find a place in the final nominee list. A great potential tale which speaks about an innocent love story in the cruel world. 22 year-old Gabrielle with Williams syndrome is good at music and one of the leading choirs who are preparing for an event. She comes to know her, fellow choir member Martin and fall in love. But, before the relationship going to be thicken get opposed by their parents. The reason won't convince them, so they decide to prove and that is the story this beautiful movie explores with great intensity. ''I think it's great, everything you've done for your sister. But you have to stop hiding behind her.'' This is one of the awesome movie that I saw from the Canada. Unbelievable performances the character Gabrielle and Martin. This movie should have been at the Oscars, but the simplicity of the story might be the reason than the rest of the powerful execution for not making thus far. The real winners are these two lead characters, who made the movie into a splendid piece of art. It makes so sad for not widely noticed, could have been appreciated everywhere if it was a Hollywood product. So what I say is dub this movie and spread it because I don't want movie goer to miss this wonderful flick. There are many things to learn from it, especially music was another highlight. Both, 'Ordinary' and 'The Passenger' tracks are my favorite. So two more songs to put into my movie song collection, though it was not composed specially for the movie, but I liked it. Anyway, a movie not to be missed if you like the dramas with emotionally appealing concepts.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

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Louise Archambault

Director

Gabrielle Marion-Rivard

Gabrielle

Vincent-Guillaume Otis

Remi

Sébastien Ricard

Raphael

Isabelle Vincent

Gabrielle's mother

Marie Gignac

Martin's mother

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Synopsis

A young woman who has Williams syndrome possesses amazing musical talents but struggles continually to gain her independence.

Director: Louise Archambault
Screenwriter: Louise Archambault
Distributor: Entertainment One
Rating: R (Some Sexuality)
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: French (Canada)
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 18, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.5K
Runtime: 1h 44m

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