Bitten
1967, Mardi Gras. Françoise is a seventeen-year-old boarder in an all-girls Catholic high school. Convinced that she has only one night left before her death, she sneaks out with her friend Delphine to attend a costume party and live the night as if it was her last.
Less -
The first scene, featuring a pendulum necklace swinging amidst a rapid sequence of diverse images, appears to serve as a summary of Bitten’s storyline. The intense imagery in Françoise’s dream suggests feelings of unease, fear, and mortality, reflecting the inner world of youth. The story begins on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a period of abstinence and repentance leading up to Easter, making it a fitting moment for Françoise’s suppressed desires to erupt as a Catholic school student. Setting the backdrop of the film in 1967, when a conservative atmosphere still prevailed, seems to highlight this aspect of oppression. The scene in which Françoise and her friend Delphine expose their mature bodies in their underwear while changing clothes foreshadows their forthcoming expressions of desire at the costume party. The character of Christophe, who claims to be a vampire, is also intriguing. The vampire Christophe, an anti-Christian figure, completes Françoise’s death and rebirth. Bitten also captivates with its 1967-style visuals and soundtrack, reminiscent of classic films, ensuring a satisfying experience for cinema enthusiasts. (MOON Seok)
Less -
Films Boutique⎜ruta@filmsboutique.com
Romain DE SAINT-BLANQUAT
