Overview
- The Birthday Party, which premiered on Friday, drew a reported 12-minute ovation when it screened in competition at the Grand Théâtre Lumière.
- Léa Mysius adapted Laurent Mauvignier’s novel by removing the book’s flashbacks and telling the story in chronological order to heighten its crepuscular, night-time tension.
- Critics and festival coverage singled out Monica Bellucci and Hafsia Herzi for standout performances and praised the film’s cinematography, score and precise mise-en-scène.
- Reviews were mixed overall, with several critics applauding technical control but criticizing the story as narratively familiar and noting weaknesses in the film’s final act.
- Produced by F Comme Film and sold internationally by mk2, the 114-minute film is seeking distribution, including in the U.S., and remains in the Cannes awards cycle.