Mathias Mlekuz’s directorial debut, "À bicyclette," is set to hit theaters on February 26, 2025, promising to tug at the heartstrings with its powerful blend of humor and sorrow. This film is not merely a story about cycling; it is a poignant exploration of grief, friendship, and the human spirit.
The narrative weaves the story of Mlekuz, who, following the tragic death of his eldest son Youri, embarks on a cycling trip to retrace his son’s once-in-a-lifetime adventure from La Rochelle to Istanbul. Youri, who died by suicide, was not just Mlekuz's son but also his closest confidant—an artist who balanced his musical talents with his compassionate nature.
When Mlekuz was plunged deep within the void of his son's absence following the tragedy, he felt compelled to breathe life back through his son’s memories. "Je dirais plutôt que c’était une nécessité après le décès de mon fils. J’ai cherché par tous les moyens de continuer à le faire vivre encore un peu," he said, highlighting the necessity and urgency of his mission.
Accompanying him on this bittersweet adventure is Philippe Rebbot, Mlekuz's lifelong friend. Their escapade, intended to be lighthearted amid the weight of sorrow, offers moments of laughter juxtaposed with heartfelt reflections. The duo, with their persistent bicycle antics, finds themselves lost yet discovering new connections and deepening their friendship as they venture along the EuroVelo 6 route.
"À bicyclette" aims to reflect the awkwardness of grief through sequences filled with light-hearted mischief and genuine emotional resonance. The film features moments spontaneously captured by the filmmakers rather than scripted scenes, which showcases the authenticity of their experiences. Mlekuz shared, "C’est plus le partage qui fait du bien, le fait de ne pas être seul avec cette tristesse," succinctly expressing the bond formed through the cycles of shared sorrow.
This immersive documentary is described as both amusing and touching, characterized by the poignant realization encapsulated within the line "Plus on est dans l’intime, plus on touche à l’universel"—the idea being the more personal their story becomes, the more it resonates with universal themes of loss and the need for companionship.
The friends' voyage brings them face to face with numerous serendipitous encounters—from camping by serene lakes to meeting various people who were touched by Youri’s life. One of the most moving moments is when they meet Marzi, the young woman who had captured Youri's heart. Mlekuz recalls her as the last person he knew to hear Youri say, "I love you," encapsulating the tenderness of memory within the film.
The film has already garnered recognition at film festivals, winning audience awards at both Angoulême and Valenciennes, proving its strong appeal well beyond its intimate roots. Mathias and Philippe’s adventure reflects not only their personal healing but also invites audiences to witness their transformation. They come back—not as seasoned cyclists but as men who have come to re-evaluate their friendship and the roles each one plays within the world.
Every moment reveals Mlekuz’s thoughtfulness about how grief, even when laden with sadness, can lead to friendships being enriched and even to joy. Their shared memories and experiences establish new connections with audiences who have also walked the paths of loss.
After nearly 80 preview screenings, this emotional yet liberatory narrative aims to forge connections with viewers wrestling with their own experiences of heartbreak. Mlekuz and Rebbot have embarked on more than just a film; they are redefining how one can overcome sadness through companionship and the sweet, albeit sometimes painful, remembrance of those we’ve lost.
The film encapsulates universal truths about love, healing, and reconciliation with the past and stands as a tribute to Youri Mlekuz's life, continuing to resonate within the hearts of all who experience it.