French-language film Sauvage is already making a strong impression on audiences around the world, with several movie-goers reportedly standing to leave during its premiere screening.
Having debuted at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May of this year, the film, which is directed by Camille Vidal-Naquet, tells the story of a 22-year-old gay sex worker named Léo (Félix Maritaud).
Speaking to Vulture, Vidal-Naquet shared his thoughts on the complex dynamics of sex work.
“For a boy who hustles in the street, there is this contrast where you can sleep on the ground, but 20 minutes later, you can be in a palace with an extremely rich client," he said.
The film stars Félix Maritaud as 22-year-old Léo (Photo: Pyramide Films). Source: Pyramide Films
"They have so much less than we have and also so much more.”
The film doesn't shy away from confronting depictions of sex, with one scene showing Léo being treated like an “unthinking animal” by several clients.
“One of the men orders Léo to get on all fours, then begins to lube up a gigantic, intimidating butt plug which he will wield almost like a weapon,” wrote Vulture’s Kyle Buchanan.
He continued: “A few of the women behind me fled the theater at that point, but Vidal-Naquet said such a scene was necessary.”
You can watch the trailer below:
