Blackout

93 million miles from Earth, geomagnetic storms are projected from the sun's surface. When they hit Earth, they have little effect on living things, but can knock out the entire power grid. Today is just another day on Earth. But in two hours, a total blackout deprives 200 million European people of power. All hospitals, airports, emergency services and communication networks fail. Europe descends into an apocalyptic Dark Age. In the midst of this unprecedented disaster, two missing kids, an escaped convict, a very pregnant woman and several others struggle to survive. They say we can survive three minutes without air, three days without water. How long can we live without power?

Directed by René Manzor, Blackout leans on a strong ensemble — Cristiana Réali, Florent Pagny, Gauthier Battoue — 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 2009.