Durga Chew-Bose’s directorial debut, Bonjour Tristesse, is a reimagining of Françoise Sagan’s 1954 novel, set against the sun-drenched backdrop of the French Riviera. The coming of age romantic drama film stars Lily McInerny as Cécile, a teenager navigating a summer of emotional upheaval, with Claes Bang portraying her charismatic father, along with Nailia Harzoune – his new girlfriend, and Chloë Sevigny as Anne, a fashion designer whose arrival disrupts their idyllic retreat.
Bonjour Tristesse premiered in the Discovery section of Toronto International Film Festival, where Chew-Bose received a Tribute Award. The film was also featured at the Palm Springs International Film Festival where Chew-Bose was recognized as one of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch.
It will be released in select theaters on May 2.
The official synopsis reads: At the height of summer, 18-year-old Cécile (Lily McInerny) is languishing by the French seaside with her handsome father, Raymond (Claes Bang) and his lover Elsa (Naïlia Harzoune) when the arrival of her late mother’s friend Anne (Chloë Sevigny) changes everything. Amid the sun-drenched splendour of their surroundings, Cécile’s world is threatened and, desperate to regain control, she sets in motion a plan to drive Anne away with tragic consequences. An adaptation of Françoise Sagan’s unforgettable coming of age novel by the same title, Durga Chew-Bose’s Bonjour Tristesse masterfully captures the complexity of relationships between women and how they wield influence over one another’s fates.
Reflecting on her adaptation, Chew-Bose shared in an interview with Vanity Fair, “I want people to feel like they’ve been brought in, but not too close,” Chew-Bose says. “They are invited into a world that feels sort of familiar to them, but also disorienting.”
Watch the official trailer for Bonjour Tristesse.
Theatrical Dates
Opens May 2
New York, NY // IFC Center
Los Angeles, CA // Laemmle Royal, Laemmle Town Center
San Francisco, CA // Smith Rafael Film Center
Phoenix, AZ // Harkins Shea 14; Mary D. Fisher Theatre; AMC Ahwatukee
Sarasota, FL // Spotlight Theatres Luxury Stadium 11
Cincinnati, OH // Mariemont Theatre
Atlanta, GA // AMC Southlake Pavillion
Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX // AMC Stonebriar, AMC Mesquite, AMC Grapevine Nills
Houston, TX // AMC First Colony, AMY Gulf Pointe
Detroit, MI // AMC Forum
Philadelphia, PA // AMC Neshaminy, AMC Cherry Hills
Iowa City, IA // Film Scene
Opening Later in May
Buffalo, NY // North Park Theatre
Cleveland, OH // Cleveland Cinematheque