At the core of this affecting drama are the exploits of Gary Manda (Tahar Rahim, A Prophet), a somewhat shady unskilled labourer desperate for cash, hastily employed at the film’s outset to carry out perilous maintenance work close to the reactor at a nuclear power plant. While settling into the employees’ trailer park accommodation situated behind the smokestacks, Gary meets and quickly becomes infatuated with Karole (Blue is the Warmest Colour’s Léa Seydoux), a seductive co-worker who is engaged to Toni, one of the close-knit community’s most valued chiefs.

Combining a threatening environment with illicit attraction to great effect, Zlotowski evokes a profoundly unsettling, pertinent, and riveting affair. (Notes by Alice Butler.)

Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2013

Director’s Note: Reminiscent of Renoir and Becker, director Zlotowski draws subtle parallels between love and radiation in this brilliantly cast, modern-day fiction.

This film is screening as part of the Carte Noire IFI French Film Festival (November 20th – December 1st 2013).