After twelve years of absence, Louis returns to his family: his whimsical mother with boundless energy; his impulsive and enraged brother Antoine; Catherine, the discreet wife of Antoine; and his sister Suzanne, who is almost a stranger since she grew up in his absence. Louis has come to give them terrible news that will change everything. But Louis is afraid and it will be a terrifying day.

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Between the huge success of Mommy and his first Hollywood film, The Death and Life of John F. Donovan starring Jessica Chastain, Xavier Dolan made a quick, "small" film: a psychodrama starring Gaspard Ulliel, Nathalie Baye, Marion Cotillard, Léa Seydoux and Vincent Cassel. Those who aren’t fans of Dolan’s previous movies will want to pass on this one too. Adapted from the eponymous play by Jean-Luc Lagarce, It’s Only the End of the World is pure melodrama taken to the extreme to match Dolan’s usual style: small bouts of hysteria, crying spells, long gazes and exaggerated make-up, extreme close-ups and scenes slathered in music (with a much less inspired soundtrack this time). His sixth movie has all the strengths and weaknesses of his usual work, which can both dazzle and infuriate in the space of a few seconds. But for those few who appreciate the Dolan method, It’s Only the End of the World works almost perfectly.