Parisian professor and single mother Hélène falls into an addictive relationship with Russian diplomat Alexandre, with whom she has nothing in common. But as Alexandre continues to deny Hélène’s desire for a more meaningful relationship, her obsession with him begins to spiral out of control.

With a blazing Laetitia Dosch as the lead, Annie Ernaux’s novella of insatiable wanting comes into stark light in this strikingly astringent screen adaptation. Filmed by a consummate director of forbidden lust in Danielle Arbid, this shattering descent into passion seduces and it stings.