‘La Gradiva’ Review: Astounding Cannes Award-Winning Debut Is One for the Ages
La Gradiva is a debut film by Marine Atlan that has won acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival. The film explores themes of youth, history, and self-discovery through the lens of a group of French high schoolers on a class trip to Pompeii. With stunning visuals and a blend of humor and emotional depth, it captures the complexities of adolescence and the fragility of life.
- ▪La Gradiva won the top prize at the Cannes sidebar Semaine de la Critique.
- ▪The film follows a group of French high schoolers on a class trip to the ruins of Pompeii.
- ▪Toni, the central character, grapples with his feelings for his best friend James while seeking to understand his family's past.
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Home > Industry News > Business ‘La Gradiva’ Review: Astounding Cannes Award-Winning Debut Is One for the Ages Cannes 2026: Marine Atlan’s film already feels like a new coming-of-age classic Chase Hutchinson May 22, 2026 @ 9:54 AM Share on Social Media Share on Facebook Share on X (formerly Twitter) Share on LinkedIn Share on Email "La Gradiva" (Photo Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival) A major work played in a minor key, cinematographer-turned-director Marine Atlan’s magnificent, melancholic and moving feature directorial debut “La Gradiva” is one of those true discoveries that you only get a few times in life.
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