Before the Winter Chill sees novelist and filmmaker Philippe Claudel reunite with Kristin Scott Thomas after their successful collaboration on the superb I’ve Loved You So Long (2008). Here, she is Lucie, the wife of prominent neurosurgeon Paul (Daniel Auteuil). Their bourgeois complacency is shaken when Paul receives a succession of bouquets of roses from an unknown admirer.

His suspicions fall on Lou (Leïla Bekhti), a beautiful young waitress in a nearby café who claims to be a former patient of Paul’s to whom he showed some professional kindness. Initially dismissive of her unwanted attentions, he is soon drawn to her, intrigued by tales of her difficult childhood and artistic aspirations. However, while he keeps this burgeoning relationship from Lucie, she may have secrets of her own, and Lou too may not be who she appears to be. (Notes By Kevin Coyne.)

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FRENCH FILM CLUB
IFI and Alliance Française members can avail of discounted €7 tickets to the evening screening of this film on May 12th (18.30). Become a Member of the French Film Club- simply add your contact details here!