Marine Atlan's debut film
Marine Atlan's debut feature film, La Gradiva, follows a high school senior class on a school trip to Pompeii, exploring themes of desire, tension, and power dynamics. The film, set to premiere in cinemas on October 21, takes a serious approach to adolescence, countering Arthur Rimbaud's assertion that "we are not serious when we are seventeen."Setting and themes
The director chose Pompeii as a setting, noting its resonance with her interest in archives and family photos, which she sees as echoes of the past. The film's narrative unfolds through the interactions of various characters, including James, a sexually active boy; Suzanne, a girl struggling with her place in the group; and Toni, an openly gay class troublemaker whose sexuality is accepted by his peers.Influences and identity
Atlan, who identifies as bisexual and has been surrounded by queer people, was influenced by Judith Butler's Trouble in the Gender, which shaped her understanding of identity and social relationships. The film includes a scene where students discuss politics, revealing underlying differences in class, gender, and experiences.Style and narrative shift
Filmed with a documentary-like naturalness, this conversation highlights power dynamics within the group without overt commentary. At a pivotal point, the film shifts from a chronicle of adolescent life to tragedy, a deliberate choice by Atlan to emphasize systemic issues.Reception and significance
She acknowledges the difficulty of this transition but sees tragedy as a means to provoke reflection and awakening, particularly in the context of student demonstrations in France. Despite its somber turn, La Gradiva is noted for its portrayal of young actors and its exploration of adolescent experiences, marking it as one of the most significant French films of 2026.
