FILM: Hors Satan (Outside Satan) (15)

French director Bruno Dumont will enthral as many people as he infuriates with this unsettling and enigmatic drama.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th Jan 2013, 17:00 BST

The Guy (David Dewaele) lives in the woods of the Cote d’Opale on the Atlantic coast of north-western France, where nearby sand dunes are protected by order of the government.

He lives off the land, poaching wildlife and building fires, while keeping an eye on The Girl (Alexandra Lematre), who lives in a nearby farmhouse.

In turn, she feeds him sandwiches and kneels alongside her protector in prayer, unaware that the devil is prowling the nearby ponds.

When evil finally bursts this bubble of pastoral calm, The Guy kills to protect The Girl, but spilling blood exacerbates the perilous situation.

Released: January 4 (UK, selected cinemas, 110 mins)

France