7.1/10
Senior Film Conservator

A definitive 7.1/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Rayon de soleil remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
You should watch this today if you need something that feels like a warm hug but without all the sappy stuff. It is perfect for a rainy afternoon when you wish you were at a picnic. 🧺
Most people who want a fast story with lots of twists will probably hate it. There is almost no plot here, just vibes.
The whole thing is about a Sunday near Paris. People go to the water, they eat, they flirt, and they just... exist. It’s a lot like A Night Out but much brighter and less focused on getting into trouble.
I really loved the way Mona Goya looks at the camera sometimes. She has this spark that feels very modern, even though this movie is incredibly old.
There is a scene by the river where a guy is trying too hard to be funny. It reminded me a little of the physical stuff in The Cocoanuts, but way more relaxed and less rehearsed.
The camera just kind of lingers on things. Like, there is a shot of some trees and water that goes on for a bit too long, but I didn't mind. It feels like the director just forgot to yell cut because he was enjoying the view too much. 🌳
A few things I noticed:
It’s much more grounded than something like Flapper Fever. It doesn't feel like it's trying to sell you a lifestyle. It’s just showing you one.
There is this one moment where they are eating and someone spills something. I'm pretty sure that wasn't in the script. They just kept filming and it makes the whole thing feel real.
I think the movie gets better if you don't try to follow the 'story' too closely. Because there isn't one. It's just a bunch of people being goofy on their day off. 🥖
If you've seen The Night Workers, this is basically the exact opposite of that mood. It's all about the light and the air.
Sometimes the editing is a little jumpy. One second they are by the trees, the next they are suddenly somewhere else. It's slightly jarring but also kind of charming in a 'we are still figuring out how movies work' kind of way.
It’s a nice little film. Not life-changing, but it made me want to go buy a baguette and sit in a park. 🚲

IMDb 6.7
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