‘La Gradiva’ Takes Critics’ Week Grand Prix at Cannes, but Deserved Main Competition Status — Now Has U.S. Distribution

Marine Atlan’s “La Gradiva” claimed the top prize at the 65th edition of Cannes Critics’ Week, winning the Ami Paris Grand Prix. Furthermore — and thank the cinematic gods — it now has U.S. distribution, with 1-2 Special having just snapped up the rights.

If anyone was lucky enough to catch this film on the Croisette, the top prize should not come as much of a surprise. “La Gradiva” did not deserve to be relegated to a sidebar; its quality is such that it should have been accepted as high as into Cannes’ main competition, and contended for the Palme d’Or.

The film, which marks the feature directorial debut of Atlan — already an accomplished cinematographer — follows a sun-soaked French class trip to Pompeii, where teenagers explore the rich history of the ancient site while simultaneously grappling with anxieties over university acceptance letters, love and the uncertainty of adulthood.

This dreamy film avoids familiar coming-of-age clichés by portraying its young characters with unusual depth and compassion. Their insecurities, desires, loneliness, and moments of cruelty are all treated with remarkable authenticity.

The central students include Toni, an emotionally fragile teenager secretly in love with his best friend James, who is romantically involved with Angela. Another student, Suzanne, quietly struggles with feelings of invisibility and self-worth. Overseeing the trip is Mercier, a weary teacher attempting to inspire her increasingly distracted students through lessons about Pompeii and its history.

Visually, Atlan and co-cinematographer Pierre W. Mazoyer create a dreamlike atmosphere filled with warm sunlight, film grain, and rich texture. The film balances poetic imagery with thoughtful discussions of privilege, class, and the uncertain futures awaiting the students.

“La Gradiva” can be utterly hypnotic in its simplicity—and that is saying something for a 2.5-hour film. Yet it breezes by, transporting you to a time and place, and, like the best cinema, makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on the most intimate of moments.

No release date just yet, but with Special 1-2 on-board, and the buzz that’s been accumulated at Cannes — this would be the perfect summer movie.