Michael (Laurent Lucas) is a school teacher and family man with three daughters, a car with too many miles, a summerhouse that is in dire need of restoration and an income too small to afford a change of life style.  The situation is increasingly stressful for Michael who wants to deal with all of his hassles by himself.  The stress in Michael’s life also leads to strain between him and his wife, Claire (Mathilde Seigner).  On a trip to the summerhouse when the children are crying and complaining about the heat in the car, they stop for refreshments.  When Michael visits the pit stop’s bathroom he bumps into a man who appears have been in the same school as him in his adolescence.  This man is Henry.

One of the first things Henry asks Michael is whether he is still writing as he remembers his writing from high school.  Michael, who barely has time for himself, has not written since high school.  Later the audience witnesses Henry in a bizarre scene where he recites a long poem, which Michael wrote in high school.  Henry, who defines himself as a problem solver, as he has unlimited amounts of time since he has a small fortune which he inherited from his father, wants to help Michael to get back to writing at any costs.

Dominik Moll directs a well-written script into a first-rate psychological thriller where the help goes too far as it proves to be lethal to anyone who stands in the way of Harry and his mission.  The cast also provides an excellent performance as the characters feel genuine, to which the audience can relate.  Last, but not least, the mise-en-scene is brilliant as it elevates the impression that each scene has on the audience.  For example, Michael's parental intrusion into his life is brilliantly depicted through the pink bathroom that they have provided for their son and his family.

DIRECTED BY

COUNTRY

France

Filmography links and data courtesy of