Maëlle Genet

Ellie Foumbi’s elegant moral thriller is a grippingly intense exploration of trauma, revenge, and forgiveness that stands as one of the most exciting feature debuts in recent memory. Babetida Sadjo delivers a bravura performance as Marie, the head chef at a retirement home in small-town France, whose day-to-day life caring for residents, hanging out with her coworker and best friend, and teasing a potential new romance is disrupted by the arrival of Father Patrick (Souleymane Sy Savane), an African priest whom she recognizes from a terrifying episode in her homeland. As Father Patrick endears himself to those around her, Marie is forced to decide how to deal with this unwelcome reminder of her troubled past.