One night at a house party, Parisian marketing professional Esther (Marina de Van) hurts her leg on some industrial supplies. Alone when it happens, she doesn’t even realise she has been hurt: the lack of pain fascinates her. While her life starts to take shape – an exciting promotion at work and new plans with boyfriend Vincent (Laurent Lucas) – Esther becomes obsessed with thoughts of self-mutilation. A nuanced body horror filled with eye-catching and innovative set pieces, writer-director Marina de Van’s landmark debut feature formed part of the New French Extremity movement and would go on to influence the likes of Julia Ducournau (Raw, Titane) and Coralie Fargeat (The Substance).
