Karnaval

A moody, character-driven slice of life where carnival revelry rubs against loneliness and cultural friction.

Directed by

Thomas Vincent

Genres

Drama, Comedy

Starring

Sylvie Testud, Amar ben Abdallah, Clovis Cornillac

Overview

Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when the citizens let themselves loose for six weeks of partying, carousing and having a good time. The film centers on Larbi, an Arab youth, and his confrontation with one of the turning points of his life. After a violent argument with his father, Larbi decides to leave the family's business and go to Marseilles for a fresh start. On his last night in the town he grew up in, he sleeps in the hallway of an apartment building, where he is disturbed by Béa and Christian, a couple having fun at the carnival. Larbi is attracted to Béa and decides to stay a few more days to try his luck. In the free atmosphere of the carnival, Larbi discovers a world that he did not know existed, a world which is about to clash with his conservative outlook, and the three lives are changed forever.

How it feels

Melancholic, tense, earnest and romantic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Identity, isolation, love, family

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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