On January 22, 2025, audiences will be introduced to Akaki Popkhadze's compelling debut film, Brûle le sang. Set against the gritty backdrop of Nice’s Georgian community, the film encapsulates the themes of vengeance and the burden of toxic masculinity through the lives of its characters.
At its heart, Brûle le sang tells the harrowing story of Tristan, played by Florent Hill, who aspires to become an Orthodox priest but faces unimaginable challenges after his father, a community pillar and chauffeur for a Russian oligarch, is mistakenly murdered by gangsters. The narrative shifts when Tristan’s estranged older brother Gabriel, portrayed by the charismatic Nicolas Duvauchelle, returns from exile—a tumultuous re-emergence driven by anger and the desire to reclaim family honor.
Popkhadze’s film explores how the harsh realities of immigrant life can intertwine with cultural codes surrounding masculinity and violence. Akaki Popkhadze states, "When I was 13, my family had to flee Georgia to come to France. Beyond the misery and defamation of this immigrant situation, it was a cultural and emotional shock." With these insights, Popkhadze crafts a narrative where the quest for vengeance leads to dire consequences.
The film does not shy away from displaying the disturbing effects of male obsession with honor, as illustrated by Gabriel’s spiraling descent. Seeking revenge for their father’s murder, he refuses to accept the repercussions of his actions, driving the story forward with tension and conflict.
“I want to tell the failure of violence and revenge,” says Popkhadze. “I deeply believe the obstinacy in virility and honor leads to destruction. The longed-for vengeance does not take place. Toxic masculinity leads to death.” This statement encapsulates the core message of the film: the destructive nature of pursuing retribution and the chaotic consequences it yields.
Critics have heralded Brûle le sang as both ruthless and effective. It encourages viewers to question gender roles and the often glorified vision of revenge. With gripping performances from Duvauchelle and Hill, it’s the nuanced character portrayals and Popkhadze’s strong directorial voice, informed by personal experiences, which leave audiences eagerly anticipating his future work.
Noteworthy is the film’s exploration of familial relationships and expectations, especially between the brothers—Gabriel, impulsive and hot-headed, is the embodiment of reckless vengeance, juxtaposed against Tristan’s contemplative and softer nature as he grapples with his faith and loss.
The casting choices reflect Popkhadze’s desire for authenticity within his narrative. The Georgian characters were played by actors who immersed themselves deeply, learning bits of the Georgian language to deliver more convincing performances. Nicolas Duvauchelle’s portrayal of Gabriel captures the volatile essence of his character, creating layered tension within their family dynamic.
Denis Lavant, another remarkable talent within the film, presents as the potentially duplicitous crime boss, adding depth to the already rich contextual layer of the story. Finnegan Oldfield also shines as Marco, who, though flawed, assists Gabriel as he plunges deep within the criminal underworld.
The film is not just about action; it integrates elements of drama and familial struggles within the pressures of their environment, successfully portraying the nuanced dynamics of immigrant life and the often darker shades of masculinity.
The manner of its filming, with Popkhadze opting for close shots and angular perspectives, offers audiences a visually immersive experience reflective of his vibrant storytelling technique. This attention to detail, alongside the urgent pacing of the plot, ensures the story remains engaging throughout.
The backdrop of Nice provides not just stunning visuals but also contrasts richly with the darker turns of the narrative, as Popkhadze aims to shed light on less-glamorous aspects of the city.
“I wanted to create contrasts between warm or dusty exteriors and cramped, dimly lit interiors,