Both Sides of the Blade

Winner of the Silver Bear for Best Director at Berlin, Claire Denis pairs Juliette Binoche with Vincent Lindon as long-term lovers whose domestic bliss is ripped apart when a figure from their past returns.

“You had the angel. Now you’ll have the devil.” Radio presenter Sara (Juliette Binoche) enjoys a peaceful life with partner Jean (Vincent Lindon) who adores her, carefree holidays and a comfortable apartment in Paris. But when she catches a glimpse of her ex François (Grégoire Colin) back in town, her mask of contentment slips and she is gripped by a primal urge to be with him, triggering an eruption of hidden emotions.

Based on co-screenwriter Christine Angot’s novel Un tournant de la vie, Claire Denis’ film stars a trio of her regular collaborators in an intense love triangle involving old friends and former flames, posing the question: does love ever die? Named in Sight and Sound's 50 Best Films of 2022.