What Is Matthias & Maxime About?
The premise of Matthias & Maxime in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet, rain‑kissed streets of Montreal, two friends who have shared everything since childhood navigate the uneasy transition into their late twenties. Matthias, a driven businessman on the cusp of a promotion, balances ambition with the expectations of his well‑established family. Across the river, Maxime drifts through life as a bartender, shouldering the responsibility of caring for his alcoholic mother while contemplating a bold move to Australia. Their friendship, rooted in decades of shared jokes and unspoken loyalty, feels both familiar and fragile as each faces a turning point that could pull them in opposite directions.
An invitation to a lakeside cabin belonging to their affluent friend Rivette offers a brief escape, but the atmosphere shifts when his sister, the fiercely creative film student Érika, asks the pair to audition for a short‑film scene that requires an intimate moment—a kiss. The request, seemingly playful, stirs a ripple of uncertainty that forces both men to confront feelings they have long hidden beneath layers of camaraderie and routine. The situation becomes a silent mirror, reflecting the subtle currents of desire, doubt, and the fear of redefining what they have always known about each other.
Around them, the world continues its quiet hum: Sarah, Matthias’s supportive girlfriend, watches him wrestle with choices that could reshape his career and personal life; familial obligations and future aspirations loom like distant lights on the horizon. The tone of the story is intimate and contemplative, blending the soft glow of late‑night conversations with the crisp, introspective chill of early mornings by the water. As the friends linger on the edge of this unexpected test, the film promises a nuanced exploration of identity, connection, and the uneasy beauty of change.
What Happens in Matthias & Maxime?
The complete story of Matthias & Maxime, from the first scene to the last, in 520 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Matthias and Maxime, two lifelong friends in their late twenties, navigate the complexities of adult life in Montreal. Matthias, portrayed by Harris Dickinson, is a driven businessman preparing for a promotion, while his friend Maxime, played by Pier-Luc Funk, is a more laid-back bartender caring for his struggling alcoholic mother. As they face pivotal moments in their lives—particularly Maxime’s upcoming move to Australia for work—they decide to take a weekend trip to the lakeside cabin of their affluent friend, Rivette (Alexandre Bourgeois).
Their retreat takes an unexpected turn when Rivette’s assertive sister, Érika (Camille Felton), a passionate film student, pressures them into acting in her student short film after her original cast drops out. Initially resistant, Maxime ultimately agrees to appear, and Matthias finds himself compelled to join as a result of a wager with Rivette. The nature of their roles requires them to share a kiss, sparking nostalgia as their friends remind them of a similar incident from high school, which Matthias chalked up to youthful indiscretion fueled by party drugs. Despite their hesitations, the kiss occurs off-screen, leading to unforeseen emotional consequences for both men.
The morning after, Matthias is deeply affected, struggling to find rest and retreating into the lake for solace. He inadvertently finds himself on the wrong side of the water, which parallels his internal turmoil as he grapples with his emotions. His relationship with his caring girlfriend Sarah (Marilyn Castonguay) becomes strained following his decision to decline his job promotion, further heightened by the unveiling of Érika’s short film during a gathering hosted by her mother. While Sarah attempts to comprehend Matthias’s volatile feelings, Maxime is in a delicate phase too, exploring the future of his mother’s estate and seeking a letter of recommendation from Matthias’s successful father in Chicago.
Confusion reigns for Matthias and Maxime as they confront their complex feelings, particularly given their previous attractions to women. Matthias’s denial about Maxime’s imminent departure leads him to avoid attending Maxime’s farewell bash, though Sarah insists on his presence. His late arrival stirs tension among their friends; an ill-timed speech and a confrontation during a party game exacerbate the situation, climaxing with him insulting Maxime’s birthmark. Although he storms out in anger, he soon returns to apologize, yet the night culminates in another shared kiss with Maxime and a fleeting, intense encounter that leaves both of them emotionally frayed.
Following the party, Matthias accompanies a work colleague to a strip club, only to leave abruptly, running through the streets, reflecting his chaotic state of mind. Meanwhile, Maxime is engaged in packing up his childhood home, during which he stumbles upon a nostalgic drawing depicting a shared dream of farm life with Matthias, evoking strong emotions. A call from Matthias’s father’s office reveals a letter of recommendation that was meant for Maxime but never forwarded, triggering an important realization for Maxime about Matthias’s refusal to accept change. With newfound clarity, Maxime hastily resumes his preparations, ready to meet his friend before departing for Australia, only to find Matthias waiting for him, hinting at unresolved feelings and a bond that may stand the test of distance.
Matthias & Maxime Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of Matthias and Maxime” to “Final Farewell”. 10 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Introduction of Matthias and Maxime
Matthias and Maxime, lifelong friends in their late twenties, live in Montreal. Matthias is an ambitious businessman with a caring girlfriend, Sarah, while Maxime works as a bartender and cares for his troubled mother.
Where:Montreal
- 2
Trip to the Lakeside Cabin
The two friends take a trip to a lakeside cabin owned by Rivette, a wealthy friend. This getaway sets the stage for the events that will challenge their friendship and provide unexpected revelations.
Where:Lakeside Cabin
- 3
Érika's Student Film
Rivette's sister, Érika, a film student, pressures Matthias and Maxime to star in her short film after her original actors drop out. Despite their reluctance, the friends agree to participate, leading to tensions between them.
Where:Lakeside Cabin
- 4
The Bet and the Kiss Scene
Matthias is coerced into joining the film after losing a bet to Rivette. The revelation that their scene involves a kiss creates discomfort, but the friends are reminded of a past kiss which Matthias attributes to being under the influence of drugs.
Where:Lakeside Cabin
- 5
Matthias's Restlessness
Following their on-screen kiss, Matthias finds himself troubled and unable to sleep. He goes for a swim and accidentally ends up on the wrong side of the lake, highlighting his emotional turmoil.
Where:Lake
- 6
Promotion and Argument with Sarah
Matthias turns down a job promotion at work, further straining his relationship with Sarah. The decision reflects his inner conflict, exacerbated by the kiss shared with Maxime.
- 7
The Short Film Screening
Erika showcases the completed short film at a gathering hosted by her mother. Matthias's reaction to the film and the kiss is complicated, and Sarah seems to grasp his inner struggles amidst the tension.
Where:Gathering
- 8
Maxime's Responsibility
Maxime chooses to transfer care of his mother's estate to his aunt while pursuing a professional opportunity. He seeks a letter of recommendation from Matthias’s father, illustrating his own transition into adulthood.
- 9
Denial of Departure
As Maxime prepares to move to Australia, Matthias struggles with acceptance and tries to avoid attending Maxime’s farewell party. His denial is evident as he arrives late and makes a poor speech, showcasing his growing discomfort.
Where:Maxime's Party
- 10
Conflict at the Afterparty
During an afterparty, Matthias instigates an argument in a party game, culminating in a fight where he insults Maxime. This confrontation signifies the unraveling of their friendship and Matthias's inner turmoil.
Where:Afterparty
Show the other 5 events of Matthias & Maxime Hide the last 5 events
- 11
An Intimate Moment
After the party, Matthias and Maxime share a brief kiss and a sexual encounter, but Matthias abruptly pulls away. This encounter leaves Maxime feeling hurt and confused, deepening their unresolved emotions.
- 12
Matthias's Sudden Departure
Following a disturbing night, Matthias seeks escape at a strip club but soon leaves in a rush. His actions reflect his mounting anxiety and the pressures he faces in his relationships.
Where:Strip Club
- 13
Memory of Childhood
As Maxime cleans out his house in preparation for his move, he uncovers a childhood drawing of him and Matthias. This discovery stirs nostalgia and longing for their simpler, happier times together.
- 14
Miscommunication about Recommendation
Maxime learns that the letter of recommendation he sought from Matthias's father was never forwarded to him. This revelation prompts him to obtain the letter himself, indicating a shift in his approach to his future.
- 15
Final Farewell
As Maxime prepares to leave for the airport, he is pleasantly surprised to find Matthias waiting for him. This moment signifies the enduring bond between them, despite the tumultuous journey they have faced.
Where:Airport
Who Are the Main Characters in Matthias & Maxime?
4 characters, among them Matthias (Harris Dickinson), Maxime (Xavier Dolan) and Sarah (Marilyn Castonguay): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Matthias (Harris Dickinson)
Played by Harris Dickinson
Matthias is a driven businessman grappling with his own inhibitions and societal expectations. While he appears successful on the outside, the kiss with Maxime unearths buried feelings and inner conflict that disrupts his life and relationships.
- 👔 Ambitious
- 🤔 Conflicted
- ❤️ Caring
-
Maxime (Xavier Dolan)
Played by Xavier Dolan
Maxime is a gentle soul who takes on the burden of caring for his troubled mother. He is more introspective and sensitive than Matthias, exploring his identity and the implications of their kiss while preparing for a significant life change.
- 🍹 Bartender
- 🤗 Supportive
- 💔 Vulnerable
- S(
Sarah (Marilyn Castonguay)
Played by Marilyn Castonguay
Sarah is Matthias' caring girlfriend who senses his emotional turmoil. She encourages him to confront his feelings and supports him during moments of conflict, highlighting the strain that their relationship undergoes due to Matthias' inner struggle.
- 💖 Supportive
- 🌟 Understanding
- 😟 Concerned
- É(
Érika (Camille Felton)
Played by Camille Felton
Érika is a film student whose ambition leads her to push Matthias and Maxime into challenging territory. Her character embodies artistic pursuit and the impact of creativity on personal relationships, catalyzing pivotal moments in the story.
- 🎬 Ambitious
- 🌈 Pressuring
- 🎓 Creative
Where and When Is Matthias & Maxime Set?
Matthias & Maxime is set in Montreal and Lakeside Cabin. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in the contemporary period, reflecting the challenges of modern relationships, personal identity, and the pressures of career and family. Social dynamics and the evolving nature of friendships in today's world play a crucial role in the story.
Where
Montreal, Lakeside Cabin
Montreal, a vibrant city in Canada, is known for its rich culture, diverse population, and lively arts scene. The story unfolds at a picturesque lakeside cabin, which serves as a serene getaway that contrasts with the characters' inner turmoil, providing a backdrop for significant moments of self-discovery and friendship.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏞️ Nature
What Are the Themes of Matthias & Maxime?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship & Love, Identity Crisis and Transition & Change.
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01
Friendship & Love
The film explores the complex nuances of friendship and the line between platonic and romantic love. Matthias and Maxime's relationship evolves as they navigate personal struggles and emotional confusion, highlighting how deep connections can be both comforting and disorienting.
-
02
Identity Crisis
Through their experiences, both characters confront their identities and societal expectations. The kiss serves as a catalyst for introspection, prompting them to reevaluate their feelings, relationships, and future paths.
-
03
Transition & Change
The upcoming transition in their lives, particularly Maxime's move to Australia, symbolizes a shift not only in their physical location but also in their personal lives. This theme illustrates the inevitable changes one faces while trying to hold onto important relationships.
What Kind of Film Is Matthias & Maxime?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A character-driven drama that unfolds with quiet tension, exploring the painful but tender unraveling of a lifelong friendship under the weight of suppressed romantic feelings and looming separation.
- introspective
- melancholic
- tense
- nostalgic
- conflicted
- romantic
- friendship
- self-discovery
- sexual identity
- unspoken desire
Content notes: alcoholism, drug use reference.
Quiz
How well do you remember Matthias & Maxime? Test yourself on the story.
