"The Stranger - Der Fremde"

France 2025, 123 min, French with English subtitles
Director: François Ozon
Cast: Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Denis Lavant, Swann Arlaud

In Algeria during the 1930s, the Frenchman Meursault (Benjamin Voisin) lives without any apparent connection to his surroundings. Indifferent to societal expectations and personal relationships, he remains emotionally detached even in the face of significant events, almost cold-hearted. Even at the funeral of his deceased mother, nothing seems to stir within him. The very next day, he embarks on an affair with Marie (Rebecca Marder), a former colleague. However, it is not until his neighbor Raymond (Pierre Lottin) comes into the picture that something truly begins to move within Meursault – though not necessarily in a positive way. Raymond is involved in dark dealings and ultimately drags Meursault into the shadows as well. There, he is eventually forced to reconsider his distanced attitude towards other people and his own life.

"A brilliant literary adaptation." (Kunst + Film)
"Ozon skillfully combines fidelity to the original with narrative boldness. Magnificent." (Télérama)
"Both aesthetically and dramatically a delight." (The Hollywood Reporter)
"One of the rare literary adaptations that honors a fundamental text by saying something new." (The Wrap)