Hearing about the new Claire Denis drama felt like playing a game of hot potato earlier in the year. Was the film named “Fire,” as its original English title was announced to be? Or was it “Both Sides of the Blade” its international name? Eventually, IFC Films acquiesced to Denis’ wishes and settled on “Both Sides of the Blade,” its official title in North America. Just a short while ago, French distributor Wild Bunch recently released a teaser and new stills for the film, which you can view here. Not long after this little tease, its first full official trailer has now been released.
“Both Sides of the Blade” is the first feature from Claire Denis in four years, after her warmly-received 2018 science-fiction film “High Life,” starring Robert Pattinson and Denis regular Juliette Binoche. The film centers on a love triangle about a woman caught between two men, her long-time partner, and his best friend, her former lover. Alongside “Both Sides of the Blade,” seeing Binoche working with Denis for a third time now, two other actors in the cast feel noteworthy to mention.
First, this is also the third contribution between Denis and actor Vincent Lindon, who recently wowed with his acclaimed performance in the Palme d’Or winner “Titane” from fellow French director Julia Ducournau. Second, “Both Sides of the Blade” will see the on-screen debut of actress Hana Magimel, Juliette Binoche’s daughter, and actor Benoit Magimel.
A story of a love triangle fluctuating between being both ferocious and charismatic, audiences will be able to anticipate another passionate feature to add to the filmography of Claire Denis. To hear more about our mixed but fascinated thoughts on the upcoming “Both Sides of the Blade” before looking at the full trailer for yourself, you can read our review for the film from this year’s Berlin Film Festival here.
Starring Juliette Binoche, Vincent Lindon, Grégoire Colin, Bulle Ogier, Issa Perica, and directed by Claire Denis, “Both Sides of the Blade” will release in American theaters on July 8 and later in French cinemas on August 31. Watch the new trailer below.