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The story follows Jérémie, who returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his former boss, Jean-Pierre.
What begins as a nostalgic visit soon turns into a journey fraught with mystery and tension when he decides to stay with Martine, Jean-Pierre's widow.
As Jérémie explores his memories and reunions, he begins to discover that beneath the quiet surface of the village lie dark secrets and personal dynamics that force him to confront his own past.
The script combines elements of thriller and intrigue with moments of black comedy that satirize human relationships and the complexities of rural life.
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The dialogue, loaded with irony and subtext, adds an additional layer of depth and keeps the viewer attentive to the small details that reveal the characters' true intentions.
Alain Guiraudie employs his signature style to balance the everyday with the disturbing. Through long takes and careful visual compositions, the director creates an atmosphere that feels simultaneously familiar and unsettling.
Life in Saint-Martial is portrayed with a leisurely, almost idyllic pace that contrasts with the tensions that are revealed as the story progresses.
Félix Kysyl excels as Jérémie, bringing a mixture of vulnerability and curiosity that guides the viewer through the narrative.
Catherine Frot as Martine, brings a magnetic performance that oscillates between kindness and an enigmatic air.
Misericordia's photography is one of its strengths, capturing the beauty and oppression of rural landscapes with poetic precision.
The sound design uses the sounds of the rural environment, such as wind, birdsong and footsteps in the deserted streets, to create an immersive atmosphere.
Misericordia stands out for its ability to combine genres and tonalities. Alain Guiraudie offers a story that, while loaded with mystery and tension, also finds room for irony and introspection, creating a rich and complex experience.