Movies

Algeria, 1938: Meursault (Benjamin Voisin), a young clerk, attends his mother’s funeral, during which he does not shed a single tear. Afterwards, he returns to his routine and begins a romantic relationship with his colleague, Marie (Rebecca Marder). However, Meursault’s quiet everyday life is soon disrupted by his neighbour Raymond (Pierre Lottin), who draws him into some shady dealings. One fateful day on the beach, a tragic event completely alters his life. This film adaptation of the classic existentialist novel and philosophical exploration of the absurdity of human existence premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

Ozon uses bright light and saturated colours to evoke Camus’s concept of the 'absurd' under the scorching sun. The film emphasises sensory experiences, making the protagonist’s passivity visually palpable.

Critic excerpt: "Ozon's The Stranger is not just an adaptation, but a revival of Camus' absurdity for the 21st century. Benjamin Voisin masterfully embodies a void that simultaneously frightens and fascinates us." — Cahiers du Cinéma