Der Flüssige Spiegel (Burning Ghost, Vif-argent)
France 2019

Opening 3 Sep 2020

Directed by: Stéphane Batut
Writing credits: Stéphane Batut, Christine Dory, Frédéric Videau
Principal actors: Thimotée Robart, Judith Chemla, Saadia Bentaïeb, Djolof Mbengue, Marie-José Kilolo Maputu

French director Stéphane Batut won the Jean Vigo award at Cannes in 2019 with this debut fantasy film that gives a fresh view to the traditional ghost story genre. This is a romantic fantasy blended with the harsh realism of everyday Paris, which creates a unique ghost story.

Somewhere wandering the streets of Paris is a lost young man, Juste (Thimotée Robart), who has no memory of who he is or how he got there. It soon becomes apparent that he is no ordinary young man, but rather a ghost searching for his past. At the same time, he meets others who have just died; he collects their memories and in turn helps them into the afterlife. One day, the red-headed Agathe (Judith Chemla) recognizes and follows him. She feels as if she knows him. The two begin to try and discover each other, wondering if they can ever be together.

This is truly a French film in that it tries to explore the outer boundaries of the characters. It includes typically French elements such as song and dance, naked bodies, and a mystical environment, all filmed with such breathtaking artistic beauty at certain moments, but then abruptly changes to harsh reality. This is no ordinary ghost story. Juste’s black, sequined jacket becomes a symbolic element used to elevate the characters to new emotional heights. Thus, that Agathe knew Juste when he was still alive is just a glimpse into where this tale will take you. A love story that should not be& missed! (Shelly Schoeneshoefer)