Shown in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, where it won Best Actress for Suzanne Clément, 23-year-old writer-director Xavier Dolan’s third film shows a confidence and ambition unrivalled among his contemporaries. Laurence (Melvil Poupaud) is in an exceptionally close and loving relationship with Fred (Suzanne Clément) when he one day announces that he wants to become a woman. While Fred is at first supportive, the relationship comes under increasing strain not just from within, but from the reactions of a curious public to this seemingly odd couple.

Outstanding performances from the two leads make for an absorbing and poignant depiction of life in the margins of society.

Director’s Note: Fast, modern, stylish, the gifted Xavier Dolan brings us this visually arresting, brilliant and beautiful melodrama of an impossible love story.

Showing as part of the 2012 IFI French Film Festival