By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Marie Kreutzer
Starring: Catherine Deneuve | Jella Haase | Laurence Rupp | Léa Seydoux | Sylvester Groth
Year: 2026
Running time: 114
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37020296/
Michael says: “Marie Kreutzer’s GENTLE MONSTER could have been a great film, but by tackling a very difficult subject with a procedurally straight-forward tone undercuts some of the emotion. Still, there was a lot to like about this film about an avant garde concert pianist who deconstructs pop long songs written by men, who discovers a shocking secret that throws everything she knows about love and trust out the window.
Leah Seydoux is commanding as Lucy, the pianist in question, and her counterpoint, Jella Haase, as a police inspector provides a strong yet compassionate foil for her. Laurence Rupp is great as Leah’s husband, and it’s always fun to see Catherine Deneuve, as Lucy’s snarky mom. Thought-provoking and challenging, while somewhat flawed — still a very good film. 4 cats
Screened at Scotiabank Theater, Monday 9/14, writer/director and cast in attendance”