In Nancy, situated in eastern France, 15-year-old Sophie (Céleste Brunnquell) yearns to break free from her dysfunctional family. After one argument too many, she seizes an opportunity and takes the spare keys to her affluent friend Jade’s house. While enjoying the spacious home she thought was empty for summer, she bumps into her friend's older brother Stéphane (Quentin Dolmaire). He, as fate would have it, was also planning on staying. Rather than insisting she leave, Stéphane lets her into the house and his life. Loosely autobiographical, Spare Keys is a tender coming-of-age story about a summer that changes both Sophie and Stéphane.
“A beautiful film, alternately as serious as a dream and as cheerful as a lullaby, Spare Keys unfolds in the leisurely time of summer, depicting a privileged relationship between two statuesque and lonely souls, stranded between the ping-pong table and the terrace smoke.” —Les Fiches du Cinéma
“A story of two loners who tame each other and a gentle portrait of an adolescent, Jeanne Aslan and Paul Saintillan’s film finds its unique voice by avoiding expected scenes and passages.” —Libération
“A delicate and Rohmeresque debut film, featuring the dazzling Céleste Brunnquell.” —Télérama
“Halfway between social drama and summer tale, Spare Keys is largely driven by its two excellent lead performers, making it a very charming and nuanced comedy.” —GQ
"Transcends the typical coming-of-age film...a genuine portrayal of young life, free from the trappings of cliché, enhanced by solid direction, a powerful script, and gorgeous scenery." —Overly Honest Movie Reviews
Nominee, Best First Film, Prix Louis Delluc 2023
San Sebastian IFF 2022 – New Directors Award
FIFF Namur 2022
Cineuropa 2022 – Main Competition
Official Selection, MyFrenchFilmFestival 2024