The Innocent 15

When Abel learns that his mother is about to marry a man in prison, he freaks out. With the help of his best friend, he will do whatever it takes to protect her. But meeting his new stepfather may well offer him a new perspective.

Part crime thriller, part family farce, Louis Garrel’s The Innocent shows the dangerous lengths two men go to, and the outlandish lies they tell, for the women they love.

The Garden Cinema View:

Louis Garrel, (The Dreamers, Little Women), takes the director's seat and gives us a heist movie bursting with romance, humour and wild energy. Featuring a grieving widower, his libidinous mother, the spirited best friend of his deceased wife, and a criminal stepfather, The Innocent has entertaining characters in abundance to complement its light hearted Summer spirit. In stark contrast to previous, more restrained performances, Noémie Merland (Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Tár) demonstrates the breadth of her talent in portraying the spontaneous and life-affirming Clémence. Despite its pop quality - amplified by a great synth soundtrack - the authenticity of the performances and the strange tonal shifts elevate The Innocent to something deeper, while always remaining  entertaining.

Cast:
Louis Garrel, Roschdy Zem, Noémie Merlant, Anouk Grinberg