The Unburdening

In this surreal, overstated, black-and-white film by Marcel Schuepbach, a young woman is slowly driven to near insanity by an inner desire for a passionate existence, while she lives a dull life at her grandmother's country home. The grandmother recalls how her own daughter lost hold of sanity and died on her lover's grave -- and she begins to see similarities in her granddaughter's behavior.

Directed by Marcel Schüpbach, The Unburdening leans on a strong ensemble — Anne Caudry, Anne-Marie Blanc, Fabienne Guelpa — 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 drama titles of 1983.