After its buzzy premiere at this past January’s Sundance Film Festival, Ira Sachs‘ “Passages” has a trailer and a release date.
His follow-up to 2019’s much-maligned “Frankie,” was a return to form for the American filmmaker. The plot concerns three Parisian adults caught up in a sultry love triangle.
Looking for my review of the film, I’ve realized that I didn’t write anything about it. I’m not sure why. This is one of the best films I’ve seen so far this year — a sexy and very-French story.
The film stars Franz Rogowski as Tomas, a filmmaker who falls for Adéle Exarchopoulous‘ Agathe, a schoolteacher. Problem is that Tomas is married to Ben Whishaw‘s Martin, who decides to have his own affair. Complications ensue between the two men. It’s a deeply humane treatise on jealousy in relationships, the mental games we play with each other and the complicated nature of monogamy.
Along with its three leads, “Passages” also stars Erwan Kepoa Falé, Caroline Chaniolleau, and Olivier Rabourdin. Sach co-wrote “Passages” with Mauricio Zacharias.
“Passages” went on to screen at the Berlinale in February, where it also garnered acclaim. MUBI bought the rights to the film soon after and will release it in theaters on August 4.
Sachs has been around since his 1997 debut “The Delta,” but he had an artistic peak when he released the trifecta of 2012’s “Keep the Lights On,” 2014’s “Love is Strange” and 2016’s “Little Men.” If your looking for well-made U.S. indie cinema, I highly recommend all three of these films.
Watch a new teaser for Sachs’ “Passages” below: