A coming-of-age drama which skilfully combines sexual frankness with a captivating sense of innocence, Katell Quillévéré’s (‘Heal the Living’) charming debut feature ‘Love Like Poison’ was a surprise, yet deserved, critical hit at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
Anna, a young teenager, comes home from her Catholic boarding school for the holidays and discovers her father has left. While her devastated mother seeks the company of the local priest, Anna clings to her beloved grandfather. She also grows close to Pierre, a free-spirited teenager who cares little about God. Anna is preparing for her confirmation, but her budding desire for Pierre shakes her faith.
In the central role, young newcomer Clara Augarde delivers a performance of immense assurance and bravery whilst the Breton landscapes are beautifully captured by cinematographer Tom Harari. An eclectic soundtrack includes English folk songs, church choirs and a choral rendition of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’.
★★★★ “Quillévéré takes us gently and sensitively through this teenage minefield” - Dave Calhoun, Time Out
★★★★ “A film whose gentleness and humanity will leave you sighing with assent” - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
