FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE FILM

ORIGINS



The Finest Red is based on the short story Rouge, written by Aurélie Briand in 2001. This short story places its lead character Loïc as a narrator, thus offering the readers a direct insight into the protagonist’s complicated mind. Briand’s use of graphic and poetic language to convey her story makes way to a rich and complex inner monologue seasoned with astonishing visual descriptions.

When Briand and Hauret launched their production company they had in mind adapting Rouge into a screenplay. They believed this story would make a successful and entertaining short film, whilst staying true to the company’s vision.

Remaining faithful to the tone and spirit of the original work of fiction, while adjusting to new parameters and standards, was a daring challenge they were both willing to take on. Consequently, The Finest Red shows Briand and Hauret’s determination to do just that. Whilst characters, plot and atmosphere (including actual parts of the original written material) have been preserved, one additional character was added to establish more in-depth background information and heighten the stakes.

For these reasons Rouge cannot simply be viewed as a mere start-off point to a greater, more elaborate scheme; quite the reverse. Briand’s short story is the catalyst which holds The Finest Red together.

SYNOPSIS

​

Loïc, a novice French accountant, lives an ordinary life in London. Although he is making a living from a job he does not particularly enjoy, the young man appreciates the monotony and stability provided by his daily routine. This sense of balance however is quickly disrupted when his chronic insomnia compels him to seek advice and guidance from a shrink. Things take a turn for the worst when Loïc’s flamboyant step-sister Elena suddenly reappears in his life. Loïc’s darkest secrets start to resurface and in no time the young man is overpowered by his emotions. Feeling misunderstood and vulnerable, Loïc is prepared to do anything to regain control over his life. 

CONCEPT

The Finest Red explores such themes as family unit, mental illness, social behaviour and ethics. It puts forward the conflict between one’s moral values and natural primitive needs.

The film is not just about an ordinary man forced to confront his inner demons and struggling to cope with the consequences. It is also about making connections and finding a purpose in life.

But the film is above all a social commentary on cosmopolitan societies, where attention is drawn to multiplicity. The Finest Red raises inevitable questions on matters of segregation and integration as the protagonist is forced to embark on a quest for his own identity and almost immediately finds himself torn between his sense of belonging (to a social norm and his personal surroundings), and his feelings of exclusion.