More Than Ever

Director: Emily Atef

2022 / 123min / DCP

Atef’s intimate and emotionally raw drama stars Krieps as Hélène, a woman who, having every reason to believe her days are numbered after being diagnosed with a rare lung disease, turns her back on the smothering sympathy of friends and family to meet with a similarly afflicted Norwegian (Bjørn Floberg). Rounding out the impeccable cast is Gaspard Ulliel in the role of Hélène’s husband—the actor’s penultimate role before his tragic accidental death. North American Theatrical Premiere.

“Krieps’s mesmerizing performance in Atef’s More Than Ever underlines her talent for effortlessly embodying vastly diverse characters. Hélène (Krieps) and her husband Mathieu (Gaspard Ulliel) lead a joyous yet bustling life in Bordeaux until Hélène’s health takes a serious turn, and she embarks on a solitary journey to Norway in search of peace and solace. Atef and Krieps collaborate to deliver an unflinching exploration of the limits of love and the unvarnished reality of terminal illness. A film that reflects on the loneliness and despair that inevitably await us all at life’s end, and that courageously embraces fate, without ever succumbing to the allure of melodrama—and a story made all the more poignant by the tragic death of Ulliel in 2022 during the film’s post-production.”—Series curator Adeline Monzier

“A tale of love and desire, of loss and letting go. About communicating with your partner, and understanding what we cannot understand. About how accepting death can be accepting life. Like a prayer in the wild woods of Norway.”—Vicky Krieps

Introduction and Q&A with Vicky Krieps and director Emily Atef in person on Friday, October 6th at 5:15pm, moderated by series curator Adeline Monzier, and Q&A on Sunday, October 8th at 12:00pm, moderated by film critic Ryan Coleman