Suburban Bliss

Catherine, a rebellious pre-teen who has been deeply affected by her parents’ divorce, plays a game which involves crossing a dangerous road with her eyes closed. She becomes friends with the girl next door, the quiet Ariane, to the consternation of Ariane’s father, David. Although he appears to be a model father, David is in fact obsessed by the need to protect his daughter. As such, he tries – unsuccessfully – to prevent Ariane from coming under Catherine’s bad influence. Ariane takes up smoking, starts telling lies, and begins to explore her sexuality. While Catherine’s mother attempts to seduce the handsome, and single, David, he sets a trap for Catherine. For Catherine, living dangerously is no longer a game, and she has to summon all her strengths in order to survive.

Directed by Louis Choquette, Suburban Bliss leans on a strong ensemble — Jean-François Pichette, Élise Guilbault, Roxane Gaudette-Loiseau — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about thriller titles of 2002.