Last Summer: A Provocative Tale of Desire and Deception

Directed by: Catherine Breillat  

Starring: Léa Drucker, Samuel Kircher, Olivier Rabourdin  

**Rating:** ★★★★☆

Catherine Breillat, the provocative French auteur, returns to the big screen with **Last Summer**, her first feature in over a decade. At nearly 76, Breillat remains as curious and clear-eyed as ever in her depiction of women’s sexuality. **Last Summer** is a film that dives into the complexities of desire, power, and betrayal, making it a compelling watch from start to finish.

The Perfect Façade

Léa Drucker stars as Anne, a lawyer who dedicates her life to defending teenage sexual assault victims. From the outside, Anne’s life appears perfect. Her wardrobe is filled with tasteful neutrals, and she resides in a dreamy mansion in the Paris suburbs. She exudes control and confidence, appearing impenetrable to those around her.

The Unraveling Begins

However, Anne’s meticulously crafted life begins to crumble when her wealthy, older husband, Pierre (Olivier Rabourdin), announces that his troubled 17-year-old son, Théo (Samuel Kircher), will be moving in with them. Théo's arrival disrupts the harmony of the household, which includes Anne and Pierre's adopted daughters. From the start, the tension between Anne and Théo is palpable, setting the stage for an explosive dynamic.

The Forbidden Affair

As Anne and Théo spend more time together, their relationship evolves from tension to a dangerous liaison. Their growing familiarity, aided by long, wine-soaked afternoons and intimate scooter rides, eventually leads to an affair. Breillat’s camera captures these moments with unflinching simplicity, allowing the audience to feel the inevitability of their attraction. The resulting scenes are raw and transformative, showing a side of Anne that was hidden beneath her polished exterior.

A Masterful Performance

Léa Drucker's portrayal of Anne is nothing short of mesmerizing. She effortlessly transitions from a woman in control to one caught in a web of her own making. Drucker’s performance is the film’s backbone, conveying a range of emotions with subtlety and depth. Her transformation from a compassionate lawyer to a manipulative predator is both unsettling and riveting.

Breillat’s Uncompromising Vision

Last Summer is a remake of the 2019 Danish film "Queen of Hearts," but Breillat infuses the material with her unique vision. Her direction is technically intimate yet tonally detached, creating an atmosphere that is languid and sometimes unbearably tense. The film’s unbroken, long takes and simple yet effective cinematography enhance the storytelling, making the audience feel like a part of Anne's world.

The Consequences Unfold

As the affair teeters on the brink of exposure, the tension shifts from the buildup of their secret relationship to the potential fallout. Breillat maintains a matter-of-fact tone throughout, letting the power of the story come from Drucker’s performance and the unfolding events. Anne's hypocrisy is laid bare as she uses her legal expertise to manipulate and gaslight those who challenge her.

A Complicated Emotional Journey

Breillat’s ability to make the audience feel conflicted about Anne is a testament to her storytelling prowess. You may find yourself rooting for Anne to evade consequences, only to feel uncomfortable about supporting her actions. This moral complexity is the hallmark of a Breillat film, challenging viewers to grapple with their own perceptions and biases.

Conclusion

Last Summer is a thought-provoking and intense film that delves into the darker aspects of human desire and morality. With masterful performances and Breillat’s uncompromising direction, it offers a gripping narrative that is both captivating and unsettling. This is a must-watch for those who appreciate films that challenge conventional storytelling and leave a lasting impact.