Under the Sand

Directed by François Ozon

UNDER THE SAND harks back to the work of his acclaimed short REGARDE LA MER. Marie is a middle-aged college lecturer who’s been happily married to Jean for 25 years. She anticipates their annual seaside holiday with a comfortable pleasure. But the first day, Jean doesn’t return from a swim, and his body is not found. Marie is left to cope with a life she couldn’t imagine. Months later, she still refuses to acknowledge his death and behaves as if he was still alive. Centred upon a powerful performance from Rampling that mixes sadness, dignity, humour, and grace, the camera catches in close-up the churning emotions revealed in her face. “An elegant drama of loss, bereavement and denial.” The Guardian

Duration:
95 minutes

Country of origin:
France

Year of production:
2000