Marguerite Laurence: The Rising Star Behind Mlle Bottine's Irresistible Performance
When we think of young talent in Quebec cinema, one name that has recently started to shine brighter is Marguerite Laurence. At just 11 years old, she has already left a mark with her remarkable performance in Mlle Bottine , the upcoming film inspired by the iconic Bach et Bottine from the 1980s. Though she had minimal experience before landing the lead role of Simone, an orphan with a rebellious streak, her performance has already captivated audiences and critics alike. In fact, at the Schlingel Festival in Germany last month, Marguerite won the prestigious award for Best Actress, a recognition she humbly accepted with joy and pride.
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Marguerite’s journey to the role of Simone was no ordinary audition process. Despite her limited acting background, including her role in the series 5e Rang , the film's team knew almost immediately that she was the right fit for the character. The young actress's energy, charm, and natural presence on screen were undeniable. According to Dominic James, the film's screenwriter and co-producer, Marguerite exuded the "diamond-in-the-rough" qualities they were looking for. When asked about the audition, her co-star Antoine Bertrand humorously recalled that they were all certain she was the one from the very first audition, even though she wasn’t physically present for it. The chemistry between the two on screen is palpable, and Antoine, who plays her anxious uncle, has no doubt that Marguerite's performance will be a memorable one in Quebec cinema.
The character of Simone is both quirky and deeply human, traits that Marguerite relates to in some ways, even though she emphasizes that she doesn’t share Simone’s messy habits. Simone, who lives with a pet skunk and navigates the world with an open heart, reflects the unguarded nature of Marguerite herself. Her ability to portray this innocence and free-spiritedness is what makes her performance stand out. Antoine Bertrand, who plays the socially anxious uncle, notes that Marguerite is like a "nuclear energy plant" on set, her enthusiasm and positivity lighting up the space.
Filming Mlle Bottine wasn’t just a personal milestone for Marguerite but also a significant step in her growth as an actress. Antoine, with years of experience, felt that the role of Philippe Bloom, the lonely and troubled composer, was a far cry from his own personality, which required deep immersion into the character. For Marguerite, the role of Simone came more naturally. She describes herself as someone who is "open to everyone" like her character, and her ability to inhabit this role with such ease speaks to her innate talent.
The film’s themes of isolation and connection resonate deeply with the characters’ emotional journeys. Dominic James notes that Mlle Bottine highlights how, as adults, we often build walls around ourselves to protect from pain, yet sometimes it’s the unexpected presence of others—like Simone—that can help us break down those barriers. This theme is integral to the relationship between Simone and Philippe, and the film’s message about the importance of human connection feels especially poignant.
With Mlle Bottine set to hit theaters on November 29, anticipation is high. Both Marguerite and Antoine are excited for audiences of all ages to experience the film, with Marguerite expressing that she isn’t stressed but is eager for people to see the work. The film’s success, coupled with her exceptional performance, marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career for the young actress. Her mother, renowned artist Stéphanie Lapointe, must be incredibly proud of her daughter's impressive debut.
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