In the midst of a volatile regime change in a Francophone African state, Maria Vial is fighting to sustain her family’s coffee plantation. With rebels and the army struggling for control, French peacekeeping forces move out, warning the remaining white residents that they’re on their own. But Maria refuses to be driven off the land, even as tragedy looms.
Acting
Huppert's blank ferocity — smiling while everything burns.
Direction
Denis films heat like a character that wants to kill you.
Cinematography
Dust, sweat, and blood look impossibly gorgeous.
Director
Claire Denis
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Denis grew up in colonial Cameroon; she calls this her 'personal exorcism.' The plantation was filmed in her actual childhood region.
FR
