This film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes after receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from the festival audience and jury. Likewise on its French theatrical release it got rave reviews with Allociné Press rating it 4.7 (out of 5). However that doesn’t mean that you are necessarily going to love it as this is a film that tends to polarise people so it is worth reading a little about what the film is about before you decide whether to come along.

This is a coming of age story about a teenage girl, Adèle, who discovers her sexuality and begins a relationship with Emma, a young woman with blue hair. Adèle’s life is changed forever as we follow her journey of discovery about who she is and who she wants to be.

The film has a long run time at around three hours; it has a slow style that explores daily life; and includes imagery that is very graphic but not presented to be voyeuristic. On the other hand, this film has a raw and honest quality brought out through powerful acting and an intense atmosphere. If you think this film is something you might like to see then you will probably come away loving it. If it isn’t your cup of tea then I suggest you stay home, have a cup of your preferred beverage and use the time to circle films on the ANU Film Group program that you don’t want to miss.