Screening dates and booking

Credits

  • Director

    Claire Denis

  • Screenwriters

    Andrew Litvack, Suzanne Lindon, Claire Denis

  • With

    Isaach de Bankolé, Matt Dillon, Mia McKenna-Bruce

  • France 2025. 109min

  • Courtesy of

    Goodfellas

  • Languages

    English, Yoruba

    With English subtitles

Introduction

On a white-run construction site in West Africa, an edgy, tightly wound foreman anxiously awaits his bride. Her presence is met with resistance by a cocksure engineer who clings to the status quo of the hyper-masculine world he resides in. But it’s the arrival of another stranger who ultimately upends the fragile world in which they all exist. Adapted from Bernard-Marie Koltès’s play ‘Black Battles with Dogs’, Denis’ riveting drama gives primacy to her actors - their dialogues expressing inner desires and articulating the broader societal inequities that prevail between those who reside on either side of the fence. UK rising stars Mia McKenna-Bruce and Tom Blyth are both superb, matching the star power and expertly nuanced performances of Matt Dillon and Isaach de Bankolé.

Kristy Matheson

With thanks to Unifrance

Content warning

Contains scenes of graphic violence or injury.

Contains flashing images.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.