French Film Festival Aotearoa 2023: The Innocent

When Abel learns that his impulsive mother Sylvie is once again re-marrying, this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison, he's more than uncomfortable. Doubting that convicted burglar Michel is capable of staying out of trouble, Abel's protective streak kicks in and he begins tailing his new stepfather's movements...

Joyfully paying homage to the great crime capers of the French New Wave, and partly inspired by events from his own life, Garrel's witty and beautifully constructed film is a delirious mix of comedy, romance, suspense and action, with several twists too good to spoil. Selected as the special Gala Screening to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, where it drew a thunderously positive response, this hilarious comedy aims to please and does so effortlessly.