Review: My Donkey, My Lover and I

When the protagonist experiences enlightenment on his journey.

My Donkey, My Lover and I is one of the films screened at the 2020 Europe on Screen Film Festival which attracted attention because of the location taken depicting the natural beauty of the charming filming locations in the Cévennes region. But as the mountains go up and down, the storyline throughout the film is unexpected and sometimes ludicrous to see how naïve someone – Antoinette (Laure Calamy) pursues the man she likes Vladimir (Benjamin Lavernhe), the father of one of her 5th Graders – without much consideration.

The storyline continues with his actions, which are to start the journey with a donkey, only for Vladimir to abruptly cancel the opportunity to vacation with himself, preferring to spend his time off with his wife (Olivia Côte) and their daughter. Antoinette felt a very high urge to show up and take part in Vladimir’s vacation, so naively he immediately agreed to an alternative holiday with this donkey, without seeking further information. With just one hope, he can go after Vladimir.

While on location, it is described how ridiculous he conveyed his obsession to his traveling friends, of his likes and desires with Vladimir who is nowhere, because the organizers of this holiday is not only one, but there are several. Automatically, the holiday organizer he participated in, apparently did not involve Vladimir and his wife and children.

The gaze of the eyes is heartfelt, judging even sympathy arises. This further reinforces Antoinette’s disquieting and incouthy condition, and follows her heart.

But with a funny and humorous storytelling style, the film is able to show a new side of the protagonist’s character development into a figure who realizes his mistakes with his own hilarious style, which eventually gains enlightenment in unexpected ways.

On the way, accompanied by a donkey that has a unique character and has its own establishment. The audience is indeed brought to laugh at the bad luck received by the main character due to his impulsive nature. Unexpectedly, it was this donkey (Patrick) who apparently helped him realize this nature and then get enlightened.