David Cronenberg’s “The Shrouds” was well-received at Cannes. It even got a subdued 3.5-minute standing ovation after its premiere. The film explores grief and a controversial new technology, so it sounds like another thought-provoking and potentially disturbing movie from the master of body horror.
On May 20, 2024, David Cronenberg’s new film, “The Shrouds,” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The movie tells the story of a grieving widow (played by Vincent Cassel) who creates technology to see inside his late wife’s grave. Moreover, this unique story received a 3.5-minute standing ovation from the audience. For this film, Cronenberg and the whole team of cast members Cassel, Kruger, Pearce, and Holt appeared on the red carpet.
While the applause was respectful, it was clear the audience was processing the film’s deep themes. Unlike Cronenberg’s typical body horror style, “The Shrouds” is a heartfelt exploration of loss and innovation, with some unsettling scenes.
Cronenberg expressed his joy, saying, “This is the first time I’ve seen the movie with an audience, and it’s completely different. I’m very happy that you are all here.”
The film stars Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, and Sandrine Holt. It follows a businessman who invents GraveTech, a way to watch over deceased loved ones. However, when several graves are vandalized, he seeks out those responsible.
Cronenberg shared that the film is personal, inspired by the death of his wife, Carolyn Cronenberg, in 2017. He noted, “Grief is forever, as far as I’m concerned. It doesn’t go away.”
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In addition, Cronenberg, known as the originator of the body horror genre, has long been a mainstay at Cannes. His 1996 film “Crash” won the festival’s jury prize, and he has had six films play in competition: “Spider” (2002), “A History of Violence” (2005), “Cosmopolis” (2012), “Maps to the Stars” (2014), and “Crimes of the Future” (2022). Moreover, he also got an award for Directors’ Fortnight’s prestigious Golden Coach award in 2006.
“The Shrouds” is slated for a French theatrical release in September 2024. However, no word yet on a wider international release. With this initial buzz, it’s sure to be a highly anticipated film for fans of Cronenberg and thought-provoking cinema.