This film was previously reviewed in July 2021 as part of our Cannes Film Festival coverage.

Julia Ducournau, French director of the bloody 2016 masterpiece, Raw, graces Cannes Film Festival once more with her newest film, Titane. It turns out to be even more shocking and fearless than her debut, centred around a father (Vincent Lindon) who is reunited with his missing son after a series of crimes.

Two words: Agathe Rousselle. Much like titanium itself, Rousselle shows such strength and pours absolutely everything into this visceral performance as one of the protagonists, Alexia. But to give away too much more about Alexia or the plot would be doing a disservice to the film. It’s best to go into Titane knowing as little about it as possible because this is a film that truly takes hold over the audience and refuses to let go even after the end credits, an experience very much enhanced by not knowing the various twists and turns that the storyline takes.

The unsettling atmosphere that Ducournau skilfully created in Raw is instantly recognisable here. From the moment Titane begins, it’s a real edge-of-your-seat adventure that leaves the audience captivated. Wide-eyed and white-knuckled, this film is scene after scene of intense violence, mind-boggling visuals, incredibly creepy sound design, and at times, even darkly comedic moments. The most interesting aspect is the body horror presented through the exploration of just how far the human body can be pushed.

Titane is frightening, sexy, and completely off the rails. There are times when it may feel best just to cover your eyes, but it’s too brilliant to miss a single second of. The talented Ducournau has done it again, and we look forward to any future skin crawling projects she has in store.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Vincent Lindon, Agathe Rousselle

DIRECTOR: Julia Ducournau

WRITER: Julia Ducournau

SYNOPSIS: After a series of unexplained crimes, a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for years.