In 2024, Cannes greeted this film with a standing ovation, critics put it at the top of the ratings, but the general public never found out about it. Misericordia is the new work of Alain Guiraudie, known for provocative films with deep satire. This is a dark comedy, where the French village becomes a stage for strange and even frightening events.
Misericordia: a return that did not go according to plan
The plot centers on Jérémie (Félix Kisil), an unemployed baker who returned to his hometown after the death of his former mentor and bakery owner. He moves in with the widow of the deceased (Catherine Frot) and quickly gains her trust. But her son Vincent (Jean-Baptiste Durand) is unhappy with such a guest. A conflict breaks out between them, which leads to an unexpected tragedy.
Misericordia: a rural pastoral with dark undertones
Along the way, Jérémie strikes up an odd friendship with a local priest (Jacques Develay), which adds an unexpected religious subtext to the story. At first glance, Misericordia seems like a light comedy, but beneath the surface there are some tough themes — class differences, manipulation, and even moral boundaries that are easily blurred.
Why is Misericordia worth watching?
The film won over critics with its multi-layeredness, subtle humor, and atmosphere. It is a rare film that maintains a balance between drama and satire, causing both laughter and anxiety. Despite a high IMDb rating (7.0) and recognition at festivals, the film was not widely released. So if you like European cinema with an atypical presentation, Misericordia is definitely worth watching.
