On the Adamant

French-language documentary On the Adamant, which won the Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival 2023, may not be something one particularly enjoys watching, but it will provide a new perspective into other realities of life and hopefully be part of a solution to unlearn previously held prejudices.

The Adamant is a houseboat on the Seine that works as a multifaceted day centre for neurodivergent and mentally ill Parisians. Psychiatric treatment is offered, but is far from the only focus of this establishment. Instead, there is singing, painting and a movie club that even assembles a small festival. Creative expression is vital, but there is also a sense of community associated with these classes that goes a long way in advancing the participants’ well-being.

Filmmaker Nicolas Philibert has long distinguished himself through a sensitive and soft-pedal approach. Operating the camera himself and keeping it rolling through breathing times and momentary contemplation, Philibert fully relinquishes the words to his subjects, only once responding to direct questions asked during an interview. Being able to share the stories of these people, who are written off by society far too many times, as well as their thought processes and vocabulary, offers an extraordinary insight.

The slow pace can be challenging to viewers, and an abridgement of about 15 minutes could perhaps have achieved a more precise oversight of this microcosm; however, this documentation is not just one of the most rewarding productions of the year but also a valuable contribution to the conversation surrounding the treatment of mental health.

Selina Sondermann

On the Adamant is in UK cinemas and Curzon Home Cinema on 3rd November 2023.

Watch the trailer for On the Adamant here: