Antigone
Antigone

Movie spotlight

Antigone

2019
Movie
109 min
French

Sophie Deraspe’s adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy of the same name reimagines the story of a woman’s quest for justice as a commentary on the immigrant experience in contemporary Montreal.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users74%
Director: Sophie DeraspeGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

In modern-day Montreal, Antigone, a young woman whose family immigrated from Algeria, must navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration law after her brothers are arrested. When her eldest brother is taken into custody and her mother is deported, Antigone takes drastic measures to protect her family and uphold her principles, echoing the ancient Greek myth.

Critical Reception

Antigone received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its timely social commentary, powerful performances, and its successful reimagining of a classic tragedy in a contemporary setting. Critics praised its exploration of themes such as justice, immigration, and familial duty.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and relevant modern adaptation of Sophocles' Antigone.

  • Praised for its timely exploration of immigration and social justice issues.

  • Lauded for strong performances and a compelling narrative.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's thought-provoking narrative and its exploration of contemporary social issues, with many finding the story of Antigone's defiance resonant and moving.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Film at the 2019 Vancouver International Film Festival and was Canada's submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards. Nominated for several Canadian Screen Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's title character, Antigone, is named after the protagonist of Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy of the same name, and the film draws parallels between the ancient story and modern struggles with the justice system and immigration.

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