The Praying Mantis

Running time: 96 mins

Julien?s intensely romantic relationship with the mysterious Sylvia unravels when she senses the instinct of a praying mantis growing inside her. Terrified and unwilling to harm the man she loves, Sylvia searches for another lover, and the result is an engaging exploration of the connection between eroticism and self-sacrifice.

Director Marc Levie tempers fantastic images with familiar psychological insights. Sylvia?s lovers represent opposing sides of the masculine psyche: the faithful and sensitive Julien set against the risk-taking womanizer Patrick. Similarly, Sylvia, who moves effortlessly between tenderness and cruelty, illustrates the extremes of the feminine personality. A perfect blend of the ordinary with the extraordinary adds incredible depth to this unique tale of seduction.

The supporting cast and the principle actors - Lou Boclain (Sylvia), Yann Chely (Julien), and Sacha Kollich (Patrick) - give moving performances, making each moment true to life, despite the story?s mythic narrative. These performances combined with the poetic vision of Marc Levie and Michel Van Laer?s lush renderings of the French landscape make The Praying Mantis an unforgettable experience.

Robert Mello

EMERGING MAVERICKS AND NEW VISIONS