With her first film in a decade, the fearless 75-year-old French auteur Catherine Breillat (Fat Girl, The Last Mistress) proves she’s as provocative as ever with her Cannes-stirring film, which drives down the dark road of uncontrollable passion. A remarkably nuanced, radiant Léa Drucker plays Anne, an attorney who has plateaued in her marriage to Pierre (Olivier Rabourdin), a distracted businessman. His son, troubled seventeen-year-old, Theo (Samuel Kircher), from a previous marriage, has recently returned to Pierre’s ineffectual and despondent care. When Pierre leaves town for a business trip, Anne and Théo — confined under the same roof for the first time — find themselves in the throes of an unexpected and dangerously lustful affair, threatening the stability of the household. Music by Kim Gordon heightens the erotic tension of LAST SUMMER, a film that boldly surveys power dynamics, female desire, and fulfillment.
REVIEW:
Catherine Breillat’s “Last Summer” is a provocative film that delves into the complexities of human desire and the boundaries of societal norms. With an unflinching eye, Breillat explores the emotional reality of an incestuous relationship between Anne, a middle-aged lawyer, and her teenage stepson, Théo.
Léa Drucker delivers a captivating performance as Anne, a woman who appears to have it all together but is secretly grappling with her own unresolved desires. Her portrayal is both nuanced and powerful, capturing the internal conflict and vulnerability that drive her character’s actions. Samuel Kircher, as Théo, brings a raw and magnetic energy to the screen, making their illicit affair both believable and unsettling.
Breillat’s direction is both intimate and detached, allowing the audience to witness the unfolding drama without passing judgment. The long, lingering shots and the use of natural light create a languid, almost dreamlike atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the intense emotional turmoil of the characters. The film’s pacing is deliberate, giving viewers time to absorb the gravity of the situation and the inevitable consequences.
The emotional reality of the incest plot is handled with sensitivity and depth. Breillat does not shy away from the discomfort and moral ambiguity of the relationship, instead choosing to explore the psychological motivations and the impact on all involved. Anne’s fear of her stable life collapsing and her simultaneous desire for something more is portrayed with heartbreaking honesty. Théo’s youthful rebellion and vulnerability add layers to their dynamic, making the affair both tragic and inevitable.
“Last Summer” is a bold and uncompromising film that challenges viewers to confront their own perceptions of morality and desire. It is a testament to Breillat’s skill as a filmmaker that she can take such a taboo subject and turn it into a compelling and emotionally resonant story.
If you’re looking for a film that pushes boundaries and offers a deep, introspective look at human relationships, “Last Summer” is a must-watch. Catch it now on the Criterion Channel.
Rating: A- (4/5)
CREDITS:
Directed by
Screenplay by
- Catherine Breillat
- Pascal Bonitzer(collaboration)
Based on
- May el-Toukhy
- Maren Louise Käehne
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography
Edited by
François Quiqueré[1]
Music by
Production
company
SBS Productions
Distributed by
- Pyramide Distribution
- SBS Distribution
Release dates
- 25 May 2023(Cannes)
- 13 September 2023(France)
Running time
104 minutes[1]
Country
France
Language
French
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