Is "Wild Diamond" Just Another Reality Check?

In Agathe Riedinger’s debut feature, Diamant brut (or Wild Diamond), the choppy reality of social media dreams and the pursuit of identity are caught in a swirl of aspirations and self-discovery. At the center is Liane, played with striking authenticity by Malou Khebizi, whose character presents a contradiction of vulnerability and unyielding ambition.

A Journey Through Glitter and Despair

Let’s dive right in, shall we? We meet Liane, our nineteen-year-old protagonist, yearning to escape the drab confines of Fréjus, a town that feels as if it hasn't met a new idea in decades. Liane's dreams of celebrity and recognition through the lens of a reality show promise a new life—a modern avenue to stardom. But this isn't just a simple tale of ambition; it's a nuanced exploration of what it means to crave validation in a world obsessed with the superficial.

Diamant brut doesn’t sugarcoat Liane’s flaws or her often shallow outlook on beauty as currency. She’s part of a generation raised by the glow of screens, where likes measure worth, and every selfie is a battle in the war for attention. And you know what? Sometimes, it feels uncomfortably real.

Through Liane's Eyes

Riedinger crafts a narrative that sticks close to Liane's perspective. This lens might feel dreamy at times, but it effectively draws viewers into her world—a world where survival means mastering the art of self-presentation. Khebizi, an amateur actress coming from a similar background, adds layers of depth to Liane, portraying her confusion and determination with an honesty that's hard to shake off.

There's a certain empathy in the way Riedinger depicts Liane's life. The film gracefully balances the notion of seeking beauty in chaos with the harsh realities of Liane's familial ties—capturing her strained relationship with her mother and her protective instincts towards her younger sister, sibling bonds tangled in their shared past of neglect.

The Complicated Truth Behind the Screen

Deliberately paced and thoughtful, the film shies away from condemning or trivializing Liane's world. Instead, it peels back layers of her reality, offering glimmers of redemption amidst the glitz. Liane’s one ally, Dino, shows that amid all the noise, genuine connections can still surface, adding warmth to the overall narrative texture.

With cinematographer Noe Bach, Riedinger employs shadows and discreet camera work to avoid fetishizing Liane's hyper-visible body, reminding us that beneath the physical sheen lies a searching soul. The aesthetics echo Liane’s internal conflict—a beautiful yet contradictory life on display.

A Mirror-Reflecting Us

Diamant brut challenges us to ponder our own obsession with perfection and fame. Through the haze of TikTok and reality TV auditions, sharp questions about identity, purpose, and the desire to be seen are raised. At its heart, the film holds a mirror up to our society, asking, "Is this really all there is?" Perhaps behind every diamond is a rough, untold story pleading for understanding—a reminder of our collective yearning to be more than what meets the eye.

As the film rolls to a close, it leaves us with an unexpected twist—an invitation to rethink what reality means and where, in the middle of all that glam, a true life can be found.