Agnès Varda's Vagabond: A Chilling Portrait of Freedom & Decline

Okay, so I just finished watching Agnès Varda's Vagabond (1985) and wow, I'm still processing. I've been making my way through her filmography, and this one definitely hit differently than Cleo from 5 to 7, which I found much more…hopeful? Vagabond feels so bleak, right from the opening shot of Mona's dead body. Varda doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities Mona faces on the road. Sandrine Bonnaire is incredible as Mona. She's so compelling, even when she's making questionable choices (and let's be honest, a lot of her choices were questionable). You kind of want to shake her and tell her to make better decisions, but at the same time, you get why she's doing what she's doing. That scene where she's interacting with the professor researching plane trees (played by Macha Méril) really stuck with me. There's a potential for connection there, a chance for something else, but Mona just can't seem to grasp it. What I find so fascinating about Varda's direction is the documentary-style approach. The way she uses interviews with people who encountered Mona gives you these fragmented perspectives, like puzzle pieces that never quite form a complete picture. You never truly know Mona, and I think that's intentional. She's an enigma, even in death. It's a really powerful way to tell the story. Overall, Vagabond isn't an easy watch, but it's definitely thought-provoking and stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a film that raises questions about freedom, societal expectations, and what it means to truly be alone. If you're into character-driven films and aren't afraid of a little existential dread (lol), I highly recommend checking it out. What did everyone else think? Especially if you're familiar with Varda's other work.