The Ties That Bind Us: Carine Tardieu’s delicate drama doesn’t quite tell a story, but rather looks into the web of relationships that begins when a couple leaves their son with a neighbour while they leave for the hospital to give birth. It is an interesting, engaging collection of characters, with solid performances all around by the cast. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi plays the feminist bookseller who, despite her love for her independence, forms a connection with the neighbours, particularly the smart kid played by César Botti. Pio Marmaï is quite good as the heartbroken, lost father, and Vimala Pons, as his love interest, is really effective. The film is simply and elegantly made, with the time jumps clearly labeled, even if there aren’t major discontinuities that could be jarring. Composer Éric Slabiak’s original musical score, with its fine use of violin, is very beautiful.