A film from one of Richmond Film Society’s favourite directors, Francois Ozon. The Stranger (L'Étranger) is based on the 1942 existentialist novella by Albert Camus.

 

In French Algeria, Meursault (played by Benjamin Voisin) lives a life of indifference and detachment. Following the death of his mother, he stands accused of the murder of an Arab man.

 

The film is shot in black and white and won Best Cinematography for Manuel Dacosse at the 2026 Lumiere and Cesar Awards. The British Film Institute called it an ‘insightful re-reading of Camus’ classic novella [that] explores themes of queerness [in particular, in the scene where Meusault kills the Arab] and Algerian identity’ [given the context of Colonialism and Algeria’s fight for independence].

 

The film will be introduced by Dr Sophie Belot, Senior Lecturer in Film and Screen Media at St Mary’s University.

 

Sara Steinke