titane (2021)

A CINEMATIC THRILL RIDE THAT’LL LEAVE YOU SCARRED

Welcome to the edge of your seat, the destination where you’ll spend majority of your time watching Titane. A visceral journey and emotional rollercoaster that pushes boundaries, challenges perceptions, and catapults viewers into a world where the bizarre meets the delicate, and the demented intertwine with the twisted.

Following a near-fatal car crash, Alexia's (Agathe Rousselle) life took a drastic turn. She now carries a medical-grade titanium implant, a testament to her survival. A decade later, she's found herself immersed in the underground world of automotive shows, her once silent resilience transformed into a captivating presence on stage. Surprisingly, rather than avoiding cars, Alexia has developed an unusual obsession with them. In the midst of a city gripped by a string of brutal murders, fire chief Vincent (Vincent Lindon) is confronted with an unexpected reunion: his long-lost son, Adrien, resurfaces after ten years of absence. But time has sculpted them both into different people, leaving scars that aren't just physical. As the curtain falls on their shared past, a mysterious figure emerges, stirring emotions Vincent thought long buried. Who is this stranger, and what role will they play in the final chapter of Vincent's story?

Director Julia Ducournau delivers a tour de force that pushes the boundaries of cinema, crafting a narrative that is as unsettling as it is enthralling. From its shocking opening scenes to its jaw-dropping conclusion, Titane commands attention with its unrelenting intensity. The performances are nothing short of mesmerising, with each actor fully committing to the unnerving atmosphere of the film. Rousselle’s intensity is particularly captivating, drawing viewers into her world with a magnetic presence that is both haunting and unforgettable. But it's not just the performances that leave a lasting impression - the sound design is equally impressive, adding a layer of depth to the already immersive experience. Every creak, crackle, and crunch is felt through the theatre, further immersing audiences in the film's twisted reality.

In the end, Titane is a masterclass in filmmaking that demands to be seen. It's a cinematic experience like no other, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats and craving more. Bold, daring, and utterly unforgettable, Titane is a must-see for cinephiles looking for something truly extraordinary.

★★★★☆

17 JULY 2022