Beginning like a spy-film, travelling anthropologist Paul Dédalus (Mathieu Amalric) returns from a posting in Tajikistan to take up a job for the French government in Paris. Facing interrogation, he recounts the events leading to his double identity, his memories prompting labyrinthine plotlines: his childhood in Roubaix, an eventful school trip to Minsk, which results in offering up his own identity to a young Russian, and finally his first love Esther. In a jubilant, passionate recalling of teenage years and coming-of-age, the film is invigorated by a glowing young cast (Quentin Dolmaire as young Paul; Lou Roy- Lecollinet as Esther).

Sponsored by Airbus

Festivals: Official Selection, Winner SACD Award, Directors’ Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival 2015

Director’s Note: Exhibiting extraordinary energy, perhaps Arnaud Desplechin’s best film?!

Showing as part of the IFI French Film Festival 2015 (November 18th – 29th)