ADORATION (2019)

Summary:

Adoration follows Paul, a lonely and disturbed young boy living with his grandfather who works at a remote psychiatric clinic. Paul becomes instantly captivated by Gloria, a new patient around his age, who is prone to violent outbursts and delusions. Drawn to her enigmatic and rebellious nature, Paul helps Gloria escape the institution, embarking on a perilous and increasingly unhinged journey through the French countryside.

Their intense bond quickly spirals into a dangerous mix of first love, obsession, and shared delusion. As Gloria's erratic behavior escalates, Paul struggles to protect her while navigating the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, leading to a tragic and inevitable confrontation with the outside world.

Keywords: Adoration, 2019, Thomas Gioria, Fantine Harduin, Thriller, Drama.

Plot:

Paul is a quiet, isolated boy who lives with his grandfather, a veterinarian, whose property borders a psychiatric clinic. When Gloria, a beautiful but volatile young girl, is admitted to the clinic, Paul becomes fascinated by her. He witnesses her violent episodes and her deep-seated belief that her mother is alive and trying to reach her. Despite the warnings from the staff, Paul is drawn to Gloria's vulnerability and her fierce spirit, feeling a connection he lacks in his own life.

One night, fueled by a desire to help her reunite with her imagined mother, Paul aids Gloria in escaping the clinic. They steal a car and begin a frantic journey, their path marked by petty crimes and increasingly desperate acts. Gloria's mental state deteriorates rapidly outside the structured environment of the clinic, leading to unpredictable and dangerous behavior, including physical altercations and paranoid delusions. Paul, deeply in love and desperate to keep her safe and happy, goes along with her fantasies, even when they put them both in extreme peril. Their escape becomes a tragic descent into madness, culminating in a violent confrontation that forces Paul to confront the devastating reality of Gloria's illness and the impossibility of their dream.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Thomas Gioria as Paul
• Fantine Harduin as Gloria
• Benoît Poelvoorde as Dr. Charles
• Anaël Snoek as Sister Marie

Crew:

• Director: Fabrice Du Welz
• Writers: Fabrice Du Welz, Vincent Tavier, Romain Protat
• Producer: Vincent Tavier
• Cinematography: Manuel Dacosse
• Editor: Anne-Laure Guégan

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: August 28, 2019 (France, Belgium)
• Language: French
• Genre: Thriller, Drama
• Running Time: 98 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for several awards, including Best Film at the Sitges Film Festival and multiple Magritte Awards.