The Spellbound

For the "story of the month," Coline, a contributor to a women's magazine, is sent deep into the Pyrenees to interview Simon, a rather wild artist who claims his mother appeared to him at the precise moment she died. Coline is particularly intrigued since her beautiful neighbor Azar insists the same thing happened with her father! On the night they meet, Simon attempts to seduce Coline, who resists but falls in love... Based on Henry James's 1896 short story "The Way It Came," later renamed "The Friends of the Friends" for the New York Edition.

Directed by Pascal Bonitzer, The Spellbound leans on a strong ensemble — Sara Giraudeau, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Nicolas Maury — 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 2019.