In a Jewish neighborhood in late-19th-century London’s East End, Esther Kahn yearns to escape her family’s garment-manufacturing sweatshop for a career as a stage actress. Although naturally reserved and lacking in expressive instincts, Esther slowly succeeds in the English theater world.

This wild and powerful 19th century theatre drama by Arnaud Desplechin (My Golden Days) became controversial over star Summer Phoenix’s vivid and highly unusual acting style. Over time, Desplechin and Phoenix’s collaboration has stood strong as an utterly unique evocation of cinematic character.