Misericordia (French: Miséricorde) is a 2024 French thriller film written and directed by Alain Guiraudie. Starring Félix Kysyl and Catherine Frot, the film follows Jérémie, who returns to his hometown for a funeral, only to become entangled in a deadly confrontation.
The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, competing for the Queer Palm. It was theatrically released in France on October 16, 2024, by Les Films du Losange and won the Louis Delluc Prize. The film also received eight nominations at the 50th César Awards.
Where Was Misericordia Filmed?
Filming for Misericordia took place in the southern Aveyron region of France, along the border of Gard. The production team chose authentic rural locations to bring the fictional village of Saint-Martial to life.
Sauclières, Aveyron, France
The village of Sauclières served as the primary filming location, standing in for the fictional Saint-Martial, where most of the story unfolds. This small commune, nestled in southern Aveyron, is known for its traditional French countryside charm, stone houses, and quiet rural atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for the film’s dark and suspenseful themes.
Millau, Aveyron, France
Some scenes were also filmed in Millau, a larger town in Aveyron famous for its breathtaking landscapes, deep gorges, and historic architecture. Millau is particularly known for the Millau Viaduct, one of the world’s tallest bridges, though it is unclear if it appears in the film.
Nant and Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, Aveyron, France
The film crew also shot in Nant and Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, two picturesque villages in Aveyron. These locations add to the isolated and atmospheric setting of Misericordia, reinforcing the film’s themes of secrecy and tension.
Dourbie Gorges
The Dourbie Gorges, a stunning natural canyon running through Aveyron and Gard, were used for outdoor and landscape shots. The deep valleys and rocky cliffs contribute to the film’s moody and suspenseful aesthetic.
Mont Aigoual Forest and Suquet Ridge
The Mont Aigoual forest, located in the Cevennes region, and Suquet Ridge also served as key filming sites. The dense woodlands and rugged terrain provided atmospheric backdrops that align with the film’s thriller elements.
When Did the Filming of Misericordia Take Place?
Principal photography for Misericordia began on October 30, 2023, and concluded on December 15, 2023. The film’s cinematography was handled by Claire Mathon, who previously collaborated with Guiraudie on Stranger by the Lake (2013) and Staying Vertical (2016).
FAQs-
Q: What is Misericordia about?
A: The film follows Jérémie, who returns to his hometown for a funeral and stays with his former boss’s widow. A fight with her son turns deadly, and Jérémie covers up the crime with the unexpected help of the village priest.
Q: Who directed Misericordia?
A: The film is written and directed by Alain Guiraudie.
Q: Where was Misericordia filmed?
A: Filming took place in southern Aveyron, France, in locations such as Sauclières, Millau, Nant, Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, the Dourbie Gorges, Mont Aigoual forest, and Suquet Ridge.
Q: When was Misericordia filmed?
A: The movie was filmed from October 30, 2023, to December 15, 2023.
Q: When was Misericordia released?
A: It premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, and was theatrically released in France on October 16, 2024.