Divided into chapters, the film first chronicles Hemel's many sexual conquests, but then takes on a different tone as it explores her complicated relationship with her father, Gijs. A dapper auctioneer, Gijs has dated a series of younger women since Hemel's mother's death. But when Gijs starts seeing the charming Sophie, for the first time Hemel feels that her special relationship with her father is threatened...
Acting
Hoekstra's fearless, ferocious breakout performance
Direction
Polak's unflinching female gaze refuses exploitation
Editing
Chapter structure that disorients then devastates
Director
Sacha Polak
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Hannah Hoekstra won Best Actress at the Berlinale for this, her first major film role—she learned to play cello for the bathtub scene.
Polak cited Claire Denis' 'Beau Travail' as influence for the film's tactile, sensory approach to bodies without romanticizing them.
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