By Roger Costa
LOVE ME TENDER
Addressing motherhood, sexual identity and the horrors of patriarchal behavior, director Anna Cazenave Cambet’s electrifying female character study brings a tour de force performance by one of our current best leading ladies, the versatile, genre-defying and unpredictable Vicky Krieps. A selection at last year’s Cannes, director Cambet’s literary adaptation is a wonderful example in raw cinema, as the film contemplates the life of its heroine with extreme tenderness and a vibrant sense of naturalism. Krieps is fascinating as she embodies Clemence, a lawyer turned writer who is navigating life without major issues until her ex-husband feels that his masculinity has been threatened when learning that she has started a lesbian relationship. In a cruel turn, he tries to get full custody of their son, turning her life into an exhausting quest for justice, as she battles to see her son. Very touching and accurate, the director addresses these issues with humanism and sensibility while exploring an irresistible journey of identity and female self-discovery- all seen with an extra charm provided mostly by its protagonist’s admirably gripping screen presence.
(Screens March 7th and 12th).
THE STRANGER
Sophisticated, sensual and unexpected this Albert Camus’ adaptation is a lush and gripping look at desire and existentialism from French prolific auteur, the one and only Francois Ozon. Contemplative and enhanced by its gorgeous cinematography, impeccable set designs and perfect costumes, it brings a nuanced, vulnerable and mysteriously raged performance by Benjamin Voisin, an office man returning to his roots in Algiers for his mother’s funeral. The film opens with him explaining the reasons he ended up in jail, including his affair to a local woman, his connection to a mobster and a tragic confrontation on the beach, while investigating his motives and aspirations, for business, for love and for the uncertain future. Exuding beauty and sensuality, Ozon scores another masterpiece about love and unrequited desire.
(Screens March 5th).
AT WORK
Exploring the mid-life crisis and financial challenges of a wannabe author, director Valerie Donzelli’s drama observes the landscape of modern capitalism and the competitiveness on the working field. Winner of the Best Screenplay Award at last year’s Venice, the film is anchored by an affecting and humorous performance by Bastien Bouillon. Structured as a deadpan dark comedy about the working-class financial sacrifices with a sharp anti-capitalist commentary, Donzelli delivers a thoughtful and provocative study on socioeconomics divisions and the incomparable strength of the artistic dream.
(Screens March 8th and 13th).
(The 31st Rendez-Vous with French Cinema is presented by Film at Lincoln Center and UniFrance. It runs March 5th thru 15th, 2026, with most filmmakers in person for Q&A’s following selected screenings. Go to https://www.filmlinc.org/festivals/rendez-vous-with-french-cinema/?tab=films for details).
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