A surprising film. The director is from the old Soviet republic of Georgia.

His father is a noted director and sent his son to France to be educated. In this first feature, we can discern a sympathy for the experience of Georgians trying to survive in France and a French perspective on society and morals.

The film was shot in black and white, reminiscent of visual styles and compositions of past times, even the silent era. When the themes finally emerge, one is relieved that the film is in black and white.

How much to say about the plot? Having seen the film without knowing anything of the plot, I shared the experience of the 22 year old builder who steals a train ticket that he feels will lead him to extra money for his family. It does, but not in the way he or we could have anticipated. After the quiet opening, watching him at work and helping a housekeeper revive the middle-aged addict she looks after, we set out on the young man’s journey.

Maybe, it is best just to say that violence is the theme of the film, especially in the context of French macho attitudes and its gun culture. It is alarming.

This is a powerful and sombre film that reminds us that film-making can go well-beyond movies as a pastime.

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