Small Talk

On the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland stands the world’s last finishing school for women. Women from all over the world pay a considerable sum to spend six weeks here, to learn how to conduct themselves in elite circles. To avoid distracting the actual students, the filmmaker opted for a hybrid form of fiction and documentary. We follow the students through the eyes of Charlie, played by actor Hélène Bares, an assertive curly-headed figure who, little by little, internalises the rules of etiquette and the art of being a hostess, both for her own personal development and to advance in her work for a luxury shoe brand.

In captivating, color-rich scenes set against a picture-perfect backdrop, Charlie strikes up conversations with her fellow students. They turn out to be less out of touch with reality than anticipated, being ambitious in their pursuit of independence, discipline, and a certain degree of power. A fascinating glimpse into an anachronistic world where flower arranging, table manners, conversation, posture, the way you move, and even the pitch of your voice are all crucial.