Astrakan (DVD)

US Import

When Samuel, a young orphan, is sent to live with foster parents Marie and Clement, he is gradually forced to face the demons that exist both internally and within his new family. Swept up in the motions of coming of age for the very first time — falling in love with the girl next door, exploring hobbies and indulging in childhood passions — he also begins to learn of the secrets his foster family are keeping, leading him to question everything around him. As these questions emerge, Samuel is pushed in and out of crippling anguish, bridging a harsh gap between dense realism and feverish fantasy which leads to a stunning and transcendent final act.

Lensed in gorgeous 16mm by Simon Beaufils (Knife+Heart), David Depesseville's debut narrative (an official selection of New Directors/New Films) offers a "gripping, impressionist rendering of the raw precariousness of youth" (The Film Stage).

directed by: David Depesseville
starring: Mirko Giannini, Jehnny Beth, Bastien Bouillon, Théo Costa-Marini, Lorine Delin
2022 / 105 min / 1.66:1 / French DTS-HD MA 5.1