Holy Cow

After the tragic death of his father, 18-year-old Totone is thrust into the unexpected and very adult role of looking after his younger sister and their failing family farm in the Jura section of France. He assumes even more responsibility when he enters a cash competition for the best Comté cheese made in this western part of the French Alps. A “verité” look at the hardscrabble life of French agriculture, it is simultaneously a coming-of-age story and, above al,\l, an ode to the love of cheese.

“Shot through with compassion for its rascally yet vulnerable protagonist…finding emotion in small details rather than big set pieces. It should charm audiences at home in France … and has the potential to break out into arthouse slots elsewhere.” –Lee Marshall, Screen Daily

“The film is surprisingly fascinating as it shows the techniques of artisan cheese-making. You almost feel you know enough to do it yourself after watching it.” –Alexa Dalby, Dog and Wolf

“The unpredictable but seemingly unlimited energy of youth fuels Louise Courvoisier’s debut, which also nails a teenage outlook on rural life. An earthy mix of adventure romp and coming of age experiences, Courvoisier’s film is ripe with feeling.” –Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Films

“Pulsates with the vibrant energy of its protagonist, emblematic of an unwavering fighting spirit. ... Courvoisier adopts a tone and vibrant cinematic style reminiscent of Andrea Arnold or Ken Loach...with a blend of playfulness and sincerity, the film captures the
complexities of human desperation, inviting audiences to both
admire and despise the multiple missteps.” –Eric Lavallée, Ion Cinema