Le Sentiment de la chair

Helena (Annabelle Hettmann) is studying medical illustration, and her fascination with anatomy extends to a rather strange enthusiasm for finding potential flaws or ailments in her own physiognomy, inside and out. Getting some unnecessary X-rays, she attracts the interest of young radiologist/lecturer Benoit (Thibault Vincon). Soon they're happily cohabiting. But her need to keep pushing the boundaries of physical exploration both erotic and clinical awakens something in Benoit that he finds both exciting and dangerous. While one can see it coming almost inevitably, the film's queasy climactic scene provoked a small flood of walkouts at the Montreal screening attended. Perfs and package are precisely tuned, with production design amplifying the antiseptic minimalism of hospital interiors.