Liberté

In 1774, a group of dissolute French libertines, led by the Duc de Walchen, are banished from the court of Frederick the Great for their scandalous atheistic and sexual philosophies. They seek refuge in Prussia, hoping to find a patron for their hedonistic pursuits. The film explores their encounters and the stark, indifferent landscape that surrounds them, contrasting the characters' decadent desires with a sense of existential emptiness.

Liberté received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many commending its unique artistic vision and challenging themes, while others found its pacing and explicit content to be alienating. It was praised for its visual style and provocative exploration of desire and societal constraints.

• Praised for its bold, provocative, and visually striking approach to exploring themes of desire and freedom.

• Noted for its challenging and deliberately paced narrative, which can be polarizing for audiences.

• Appreciated for its intellectual depth and artistic ambition in depicting libertinism and societal rebellion.

Google audience: Audiences generally found 'Liberté' to be a visually compelling and thought-provoking film, appreciating its artistic merit and exploration of controversial themes. However, some viewers found its explicit nature and slow pacing to be a barrier to enjoyment, leading to a divided response.

Premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

Director Albert Serra is known for his meticulous attention to detail and often works with non-professional actors, allowing for a more naturalistic and raw performance style.