Watch Cousines

Cousines is a 2006 Haitian film set in the small town of Jacmel. The story follows two Haitian-American cousins, Ana (Gessica Geneus) and Carole (Louise Portal), who have never met before due to their different upbringings. Ana is a young aspiring actress from Brooklyn, while Carole is a successful businesswoman and owner of a local hotel in Jacmel.

The film opens with Ana arriving in Jacmel to attend Carole's wedding. Despite the apparent excitement and joy surrounding the event, Ana is immediately overwhelmed by the stark contrast of her urban upbringing and the rural atmosphere of the town. Her senses are heightened as she takes in her surroundings - the smells of fish and spices, the lively market scenes, and the vibrant music being played on every corner. Ana is pleasantly surprised by the warmth and generosity of the people she encounters, including Carole's fiancé, Reginald (Jimmy Jean-Louis), who welcomes her with open arms.

As the wedding preparations continue, Ana and Carole struggle to connect and bond over their cultural differences. Ana is introduced to Carole's extended family, including their grandparents and aunts, all of whom share stories of their heritage and traditions. Ana initially struggles to relate to their lifestyle, but as the festivities progress, she begins to appreciate the beauty of her heritage and the importance of family.

Amidst the celebrations, Ana and Reginald develop a bond that is initially misinterpreted by Carole. Reginald is kind and attentive towards Ana, offering her insights into the town's customs and traditions. Ana becomes enamored with Jacmel, and its people, often wandering off on her own to explore the town's many offerings. Her solo expeditions lead her towards new experiences and expose her to the harsh realities of life in a developing country.

One such experience occurs when Ana meets up with her childhood friend, Victor (Rudolph Moise), who still resides in Jacmel. Victor is a struggling artist and poet who feels that he has been left behind by society. Ana and Victor develop a close friendship that challenges Ana's preconceived notions about the value of success and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Cousines is a thought-provoking film that tackles themes of identity, culture, and human resilience. The film uses its breathtaking cinematography to transport viewers to the heart of Haiti, where the rhythm of life is fast, and the contrasts are stark. The film is punctuated with scenes of vibrant music and dance, as well as breathtaking landscapes that showcase the beauty of the Caribbean.

At its core, the film is a character study, with each of the main characters undergoing significant changes throughout the course of the story. Ana begins the film as a sheltered young woman with a limited worldview, but she ends it significantly more matured and enlightened. Carole, on the other hand, is shown to be initially dismissive of Ana's outsider perspective, but ultimately, she is able to offer her something that she could never have imagined.

In conclusion, Cousines is a gorgeous tribute to the complexity of Caribbean culture and the resilience of its people. The film traverses both universal and specific themes, and it is sure to leave an indelible impression on anyone who watches it. The film's strong performances, stunning visuals, and poignant storytelling make it a worthwhile addition to any cinematic repertoire.

Cousines is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.