79th Cannes opens May 12th with THE ELECTRIC KISS (LA VÉNUS ÉLECTRIQUE)

THE ELECTRIC KISS (LA VÉNUS ÉLECTRIQUE) by PIerre Salvadori: OFFICIAL SELECTION: Opening Night Film

Paris, 1928. Suzanne, a desperate carnival performer known as “La Venus Electrificata,” earns a living in a degrading act where men pay to kiss her and receive an electric shock to feel the "electricity of love". One night, while stealing from her clairvoyant neighbor, she’s mistaken for the psychic by Antoine, a grieving painter seeking contact with his dead wife. Though hesitant, Suzanne cannot turn down the money and delivers a convincing séance that moves him deeply.
Antoine invites her to his home for another sitting, paying generously. As Suzanne leaves his villa, she is confronted by his agent, Armand, who has witnessed the deception. He initially condemns her for exploiting his friend’s grief—until Antoine, newly inspired, begins painting again. Sensing an opportunity, Armand proposes they continue the ruse, offering Suzanne a share of the profits. She returns regularly to perform séances, secretly studying his late wife’s diaries to sustain the illusion. But as a romantic spark begins to form between Suzanne and Antoine, the line between performance and genuine feeling blurs, threatening to unravel everything.

 
Starring Anaïs Demoustier, Pio Marmaï, Gilles Lellouche, Vimala Pons, Gustave Kervern, Madeleine Baudot
Screenplay by Benjamin Charbit, Benoît Graffin and Pierre Salvadori.
Based on an original idea by Rebecca Zlotowski and Robin Campillo
Dialogue Pierre Salvadori
Produced by Philippe Martin. Associate Producer David Thion. Co-produced by Sandrine Dumas. Original Score Camille Bazbaz, DOP Julien Poupard, AFC, Production Design Angelo Zamparutti, Art Director and Costume Design Virginie Montel, Editor Anne-Sophie Bion
Running time: 120 minutes