The film 'Minotaur', directed by exiled Russian director Andrei Zvyagintsev, has been chosen as France's representative in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Oscars. This selection was made through an independent process overseen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and conducted by a professional committee chaired by film historian Charles Tesson.
Analysis of the Film's Themes and Content
The film 'Minotaur', which won the Grand Prix at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, is loosely based on the film 'The Unfaithful Wife' (La femme infidèle) by Claude Chabrol. The story of this film examines the collapse of a couple against the backdrop of social and human crises, occurring at the time of the mobilization announcement by Vladimir Putin in September 2022, following the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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In this film, Gleb, a company manager, is forced to send some of his employees to meet the quotas set by the Russian army. In this context, he distances himself from his wife, who is attracted to a young photographer. Zvyagintsev specifically draws inspiration from myths, depicting a story in which Gleb is willing to accept compromises at any cost to maintain his position.
Analysis and Criticism
In an interview with film critic Jean-Philippe Domecq, the selection of 'Minotaur' as France's representative is described as a "clever and profound" choice. He references Zvyagintsev's previous works, particularly the film 'Leviathan', which had a deep impact on him. Domecq believes that revisiting 'The Unfaithful Wife' in light of the mobilization context has created a gray and complex atmosphere that adds to the film's appeal.
However, the reception of this film has not been without criticism. Zvyagintsev, during the Grand Prix award ceremony at Cannes, called on Putin to "stop the slaughter" while refraining from mentioning Ukraine or directly addressing Russia's responsibility in this war. His remarks were welcomed in the West but faced criticism in Ukraine and among some anti-war exiles in Russia.
The film 'Minotaur' is set to be released in French cinemas on October 14, and its distribution will be handled by Les Films du Losange. The international sales of this film will be managed by MK2 Films, and it will also be released in the United States by Mubi. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.
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