Friday has already opened its arms widely to embrace millions of grinders across the globe and promise them hours of fun and relaxation. That said, WildTornado has come up with a great weekend watch for you!
Without further ado, let us present to you Treat Me Like Fire (Joueurs) – the latest French thriller-drama delicacy on gambling.
Intro
Maria Monge, a newbie to directing feature films, makes her thrilling debut in the industry with Treat Me Like Fire. Apparently, the film’s French title Joueurs which translates as “Players”, appeared to Monge as a far too simple attachment. But heck, who cares about the name when the movie flourishes with substance, character, and grit. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that the 2018 Cannes Film Festival chose to screen Treat Me Like Fire in the category of Director’s Fortnight.
Theme
Mesmerizing Stacy Martin (Nymphomaniac) and charismatic Tahar Rahim (A Prophet), star in the gripping tale of compulsive gambling. Their characters Ella and Abel utterly succumb to the high-stakes underbelly which they stylishly infuse with fire-burning love and sex, pulsating ecstasy, adrenaline rush, and sweet young dreams. However, this love affair nurtured within the walls of the illegal gambling den is bound to be much more bitter than sweet. Right from the start, it heralds the pangs of addiction leading to shameless lies, ruthless betrayals, overwhelming hurt, and tragic devastation.
So as it stands, the movie is unyieldingly faithful to the genre of film noir. It is Parisianly charming, light, and elevating, and at the same time, it is grimly heavy, uneasy, and depressing. As a matter of fact, you have to be keen on this sulky yet stylish genre to like this dark French story. Then, you will not really be bothered by the heaviness. Instead, you’ll find the tale twists soaked with seediness oddly delicious.
Plot
Ella juggles waitress, bartender, and cashier duties at her dad’s fast food joint. Her job is a dead-end and her life is rather boring. But one day, a fate twist brings her an encounter that flips her life right on its head. This life-changing meeting involves a cheeky, savvy, and strikingly charismatic guy whose name is Abel. Under the pretense of seeking a job as a waiter, Abel enters Ella’s cafe and charms a girl not only into getting hired but into a very risky affair. He empties the till and entices his desperate robbed victim into a gambling underground house exclusive to initiated members. There, Abel easily disarms Ella with his seductive roguishness, making her bet her dad’s earnings rather than claiming them. As a result, the girl scoops huge winnings (sure, beginner’s luck does the trick), and consequently this strikes the chemistry between the two young people.
Another chapter of the movie is quite predictable. The gambling needle is pushed into Ella’s virginal arm, and she throws herself into the ups and downs of loving the no-good lad.
Eventually, the thriller part plays itself out offering an original twist to the story. There is blood, affection, naked human nature, and definitely hard-achieved morals. Needless to say, the actors did an impeccable job – we believed them from the start till the very last minute!
Conclusion
To conclude, Treat Me Like Fire will appeal to those who don’t mind looking deep into the darker human side, revealed through an unhealthy gambling philosophy and love intoxication. Be sure that its dark aftertaste eventually will vanish, leaving you purified and somewhat elated.
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Stay with us and good luck!