In terms of the Oscar race for Best International Feature, many critics have put Alice Diop’s “Saint Omer” towards the top of the list. The official French entry in the race, “Saint Omer” wowed audiences during festival season and is expected to be a major player come awards time. And soon, many more people will be able to see the touching drama.
As seen in the trailer for “Saint Omer,” the film follows the story of a writer who is attending the trial of a young woman accused of killing her infant daughter. As the writer watches the trial unfold, she begins to even question her own judgment.
The film stars Kayije Kagame and Guslagie Malanda. “Saint Omer” is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alice Diop, who co-wrote the script alongside Amrita David and Marie NDiaye. The film marks the narrative feature debut for Diop, who previously worked in documentary film. “Saint Omer” debuted at this year’s Venice Film Festival, where it took home the coveted Silver Lion Grand Jury prize.
In our review of the film, we said, “‘Saint Omer,’ a captivating, soul-shattering work overflowing with gentle sympathy, begins with a woman running through the dark. It ends with her hugged in the light.”
“Saint Omer” arrives in theaters on January 13. You can watch the new trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Saint Omer court of law. Young novelist Rama attends the trial of Laurence Coly, a young woman accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter by abandoning her to the rising tide on a beach in northern France. But as the trial continues, the words of the accused and witness testimonies will shake Rama’s convictions and call into question our own judgment.