Like the protagonists of Michel Franco’s previous works,Marianne, her family and the servants make their own choices in extreme situations, triggering irrevocable consequences. The creeping dread and sense of helplessness hits home too late and we realize there is no winner but only victims in this tug-of-war that is brutally highlighted in the closing scene. In light of the ongoing global crisis, this cautionary tale should transcend language and cross borders. (Karen PARK)
Michel FRANCO
Since the first feature film Daniel and Ana (2009) was introduced during the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival, Franco won the Top Prize, in Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival for After Lucia (2012), the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival for Chronic (2015), and the Jury Prize, in Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival for April′s Daughter (2017). Franco’s latest film New Order won the Jury Prize (Silver Lion) at the Venice Film Festival. He is also active as a Mexican director and film producer.