'Misericordia' Stuns with Hitchcockian Suspense and Queer Themes

Alain Guiraudie's latest film explores male longing, rural community dynamics, and the disruptive impact of desire in a tightly constructed thriller.

'Misericordia,' directed by Alain Guiraudie, follows Jérémie's return to his rural hometown after the death of his mentor, unraveling hidden tensions and complex relationships.
The film blends Hitchcockian suspense with explicit queer themes, incorporating elements like disappearance, circumstantial evidence, and sexual tension.
Set in the fictional village of Saint-Martial, inspired by rural France, the film examines tradition, authority, and economic shifts in a small community.
Critics have praised the film's aesthetic and narrative complexity, highlighting its tight storytelling, rich visual style, and thematic depth.
Premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, 'Misericordia' opened in theaters on March 21, 2025, to widespread critical acclaim.