Completely hypnotizing and metaphysical, The Double Life of Veronique is a mostly abstract story of spiritual bonds and the cyclical nature of death and rebirth.

Weronique (Irene Jacob) is a young choir singer living in Poland, while at the same time, the identical looking Veronique, is a music teacher in France. The two women don’t know each other, but somehow share a metaphysical bond that helps inform one’s life based on the actions of the other.

This movie is less about a straight-forward plot and more about the feelings of connection, identity, and spirituality. Cinematographer Slawomir Idziak fills the movie with warm hues of green, yellow, and red, which give a beautiful surreal feeling.

To be perfectly honest I was trying so hard to discern a conventional narrative throughout most of this that it was only the last third or so that I was able to properly melt into this. A second watch is a must. Irene Jacob is so incredibly captivating in her slight expressions and subtle beauty that I was totally glued to her. These enigmatic feelings she had as Weronique, and how they translate over to Veronique, was extremely compelling.

It’s difficult to explain exactly why I enjoyed this so much. I guess it’s just a feeling.