Jul. 14, 2021|France | Belgium|108 Min.|R
Genre: Adult;Adventure;Drama;Thriller;Western
Description: Julia Ducournau’s critically acclaimed film *Titane*, which won the Palme d’Or in 2021, defies easy categorization. Much like its protagonist, Alexia (played by Agathe Rousselle), who survives a childhood accident with a titanium plate in her skull, the movie is a unique blend of human emotion and mechanical coldness. It explores identity, sexuality, and the search for connection in a world that often feels indifferent and harsh.
The story follows Alexia, a troubled individual with a dark past and a deeply unconventional lifestyle. Known for her provocative dance performances at car shows, she becomes infamous for a shocking encounter with a Cadillac, a moment that challenges societal norms and asserts her own desires. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she is pregnant, forcing her to flee her home in the south of France as she grapples with the implications of this bizarre development.
Those familiar with Ducournau’s earlier work, *Raw*, may recognize her signature blend of body horror and psychological depth. *Titane* pushes these themes even further, balancing visceral, unsettling sequences with moments of raw emotional vulnerability. Beneath its gritty surface, the film explores themes of loneliness, transformation, and the human need for connection.
Alexia’s journey is one of self-discovery and reinvention. She navigates a world where she feels more in control with machines than with people, her interactions with others often marked by violence and chaos. Yet, as her story unfolds, she begins to embrace a new identity, leaving behind her troubled past and stepping into a future that is both alien and strangely familiar.
*Titane* is not for the faint of heart, as it contains graphic and unsettling scenes. However, it is a deeply thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of identity, the boundaries of humanity, and the connections we seek in an often-hostile world.
Cast director: Bénédicte Kermadec
Cast actor: Vincent Lindon, Agathe Rousselle, Garance Marillier, Laïs Salameh, Mara Cissé, Marin Judas, Diong-Kéba Tacu, Myriem Akeddiou, Bertrand Bonello, Céline Carrère
Original name: Titane