Shéhérazade

In the port city of Marseille, a young man named Zachary gets caught up in a dangerous world of sex work and petty crime. He falls for Shéhérazade, a prostitute who offers him a chance at a different life, but their dreams are threatened by the violence and desperation surrounding them. Zachary must navigate loyalty, love, and survival in the gritty underworld.

Shéhérazade received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its raw intensity, performances, and unflinching portrayal of marginalized youth. Some noted its familiar narrative tropes but acknowledged the compelling execution and emotional impact. The film was particularly lauded for its authentic depiction of Marseille's underbelly.

• Praised for its gritty realism and powerful performances, especially from the young lead actors.

• An intense and often brutal look at youth struggling in the margins of society.

• While the story has familiar elements, the film's emotional resonance and visual style are highly effective.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely documented for this film.

César Awards: Nominated for Most Promising Actor (Dylan Robert), Best First Feature Film, Best Original Screenplay.

The film was shot on location in Marseille, with director Jean-Bernard Marlin aiming for an authentic and unvarnished depiction of the city's less affluent districts.