What the movie lacks visually, it makes up for with the performances, especially by Lindon, who leads us on a journey we want to stick with even if we can't fully understand.

In one sense it's what might be called 'typically French,' an exquisitely observed fable of bourgeois life that is mordant, witty and yet low-key. In another sense, it's what might be called 'nuts.'

An absorbing riddle posed in cool, matter-of-fact tones.

Adapted from a novel by first-time director Carrére, the film retains a literary quality in playing with our faith in the conventions of storytelling and in its sly, understated surrealism.