In 1970s Cologne, filmmaker Peter von Kant (Denis Ménochet) falls in love with a young North African actor (Khalil Gharbia), but their relationship becomes strained.

François Ozon has previous experience from adapting Fassbinder, but this is a bolder choice, a gender-swapped take on ”The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant”. Staying close to the source, there are obvious nods to Fassbinder, including Hanna Schygulla’s presence.

By making this story about men, many of the original play’s points are lost, but there’s a chilling beauty to some scenes.

2022-France. 85 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced, written and directed by François Ozon. Cinematography: Manuel Dacosse. Cast: Denis Ménochet (Peter von Kant), Isabelle Adjani (Sidonie), Khalil Gharbia (Amir), Hanna Schygulla, Stéfan Crépon, Aminthe Audiard.