Set Me Free

Set in 1963 Quebec, the story sits at a moment of social change where traditional family roles are being questioned. The contrast between rural life and city living mirrors Hanna's own shifting sense of self. The year anchors scenes of school, family conflict, and first steps toward independence and self-expression.

The film shifts between a farm in rural Quebec where Hanna lives with her grandparents and uncle, and a cramped Montreal apartment where she reconnects with her parents. The rural and urban settings highlight the pull between traditional life and new ideas in the early 1960s. These places frame Hanna's coming-of-age journey as she moves between worlds.

🌱 Coming of Age

Hanna's puberty triggers a push toward independence and self-definition. She tests boundaries by questioning her religious and familial labels and seeking control over her body and choices. Her fascination with Godard's Nana embeds an idea of personal responsibility and self-authorship. The film ends with a glimmer of growth as she is handed a movie camera, signaling a new form of self-expression.

🧭 Family and Belonging

The father is overbearing and abusive at times, yet capable of tenderness, shaping Hanna's understanding of love and danger. The mother is depressive and overworked, creating emotional distance but deep needs for connection. The siblings navigate loyalty, blame, and care as the home becomes a pressure cooker. These dynamics push Hanna toward seeking belonging beyond her parents, while the eventual reconciliation hints at fragile family bonds.

🎭 Art and Identity

Hanna imitates Karina from Godard's film, adopting similar poses to explore personal responsibility and self-expression. Cinema becomes a lens through which she tries on different identities and navigates desire and autonomy. The teacher's admiration for Hanna's independence reinforces the value of art as a means of self-discovery. The end's camera gift underscores how creative tools can help narrate one's own life.

⚖️ Power and Boundaries

Moments of exploitation—such as the bakery incident and the lure of the city's red-light district—force Hanna to test her boundaries and safety. The story treats these dangers with care, emphasizing consent, protection, and the need for trusted adults. Hanna's flight from danger and eventual return illustrate resilience and a search for personal sovereignty. The narrative highlights the vulnerability of young girls and the importance of agency and support.