Pacifiction

Directed by Albert Serra (France, Spain, and Portugal, 2022, 165 min.). French with English subtitles.

From director Albert Serra (Liberté, The Death of Louis XIV) comes a rich and languid fever dream, winner of the César Award for Best Cinematography. On the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, the high commissioner of the Republic and French government official De Roller (Benoît Magimel) is a calculating man with flawless manners. Using a mix of charm and intimidation, he manipulates people and makes his way through dark dance halls, indulging in the beauty and culture of the Tahitian locals. These games of pleasure and power come to an abrupt halt when a persistent rumor of a ghostly submarine sighting heralds the possible return of French nuclear testing.

Watch the trailer.