Top 100 Most Anticipated Foreign Films of 2015: #52. Philippe Grandrieux’s Malgré la nuit

Malgré la nuit

Director: Philippe Grandrieux // Writer: Philippe Grandrieux

French provocateur Philippe Grandrieux may not be an auteur to everyone’s liking, but since debuting with 1998’s visceral Somber, his cinema has always been a point of contention, and he’s since cultivated a growing cult following that includes names like Marilyn Manson. His most infamous work is the Anna Mougalalis headlined A New Life (2002), which is difficult to find copies of. Since then, titles like 2008’s Un Lac (which is available streaming via boutique site Vyer Films) and 2012’s White Epilepsy have waned in peripheral conversations following their limited festival play. But we are excited to see that Grandrieux wrapped a new project in November, Malgré la nuit (Despite the Night), which should receive a more renowned reception as it’s headlined by Ariane Labed, one of the prominent faces from the Greek Weird Wave (Attenberg; ALPS), and one of our favorite offbeat French actresses, Roxane Mesquida (a favorite of Catherine Breillat). Details pertaining to the plot remain murky, but we’re expecting another sensory overload existing for those that prefer the difficult climes of experimental, boundary pushing cinema.

Cast: Ariane Labed, Kristian Marr, Roxane Mesquida, Paul Hamy, Yohan Leysen, Sam Louwyck

Production Co.: Mandrake Film

U.S. Distributor: Rights available

Release Date: Considering his reputation, we’re thinking that Grandrieux will pop up at Locarno, but considering the notable cast members, Cannes shouldn’t be discounted.

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