About
Misericorde (Miséricorde) is a 2024 French thriller film written and directed by Alain Guiraudie. Known for his ability to weave tales of suspense and explore human desire in rural settings, Guiraudie delivers a compelling narrative that examines morality, faith, and small-town secrets. The film stands out for its intimate portrayal of the tensions and unspoken truths within a close-knit community.
Synopsis
Jérémie (Félix Kysyl), a young man estranged from his rural hometown of Saint-Martial, returns to attend the funeral of his former boss, the village baker. He stays temporarily with the baker’s widow, Martine (Catherine Frot). What begins as a quiet homecoming quickly turns sinister as Jérémie becomes embroiled in a series of unsettling events, including a mysterious disappearance, strange interactions with a neighbor, and disturbing encounters with a local priest. As the tension escalates, Jérémie is forced to confront his past and navigate the hidden dangers lurking beneath the village’s calm surface.
Cast
Félix Kysyl as Jérémie – A man confronting the ghosts of his past upon his return to Saint-Martial.
Catherine Frot as Martine – The recently widowed wife of the village baker, harboring her own secrets.
Jacques Develay as the priest – A character whose motives and actions blur the line between good and evil.
Jean-Baptiste Durand as Vincent – A local who plays a critical role in the unfolding drama.
David Ayala as Walter Bonchamp – A neighbor who adds to the film’s suspense.
Production
Producer: Charles Gillibert, CG Cinéma
Co-Producers: Scala Films, Arte France Cinéma, Andergraun Films (Spain), Rosa Filmes (Portugal)
Cinematographer: Claire Mathon, noted for her work on Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Stranger by the Lake.
Filming Locations: Sauclières, Millau, Nant, and Saint-Jean-du-Bruel in southern Aveyron, France. The picturesque and isolated rural settings contribute to the film’s tension and atmospheric tone.
Shooting Period: October 30, 2023, to December 15, 2023.
Distribution
The film was produced by a coalition of French and European studios and is distributed by Les Films du Losange, a leading distributor of auteur cinema.
Release
World Premiere: Misericorde premiered in the Cannes Premiere section of the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, where it competed for the Queer Palm.
Theatrical Release: The film opened in French cinemas on October 16, 2024, to widespread acclaim.
Awards: The film received the prestigious Louis Delluc Prize for Best Film and the Golden Spike at the Valladolid International Film Festival, cementing its reputation as one of the standout films of the year.
Reception
Critics have hailed Misericorde for its intense storytelling, nuanced characters, and immersive cinematography. On AlloCiné, the film holds an average rating of 3.9/5 from 34 critics. It was also named Best Film of the Year by the influential French magazine Cahiers du Cinéma.
Strengths: Critics have praised Félix Kysyl and Catherine Frot for their layered performances, which bring emotional depth to the film. The cinematography by Claire Mathon has also been noted for its ability to capture the eerie beauty of the rural setting.
Weaknesses: Some viewers may find the slow pacing challenging, as the film prioritizes atmosphere and psychological depth over rapid plot development.
Themes
Misericorde dives into themes of:
Faith and Morality: The film explores the complexities of religious belief and the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters.
Secrets and Repression: Guiraudie examines the hidden tensions and suppressed desires within the seemingly tranquil village.
Human Relationships: The film captures the fragility of trust and the complexities of human connection in a tight-knit community.
The narrative unfolds as a study of ambiguity, asking the audience to question the nature of guilt, redemption, and justice.
Availability
In Cinemas: Misericorde is currently showing in French theaters and at select international film festivals.
On Streaming: The film is not yet available on streaming platforms. However, given Alain Guiraudie’s past works, platforms like MUBI or Criterion Channel may acquire streaming rights following its theatrical run. It is expected to be available for digital purchase or rental in 2025.
Misericorde combines the intrigue of a thriller with the emotional depth of an arthouse drama. With its evocative storytelling and masterful direction, the film stands as a testament to Alain Guiraudie’s unique cinematic voice.
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