Cold Water is a French drama film directed by Olivier Assayas. The movie is set in the early 1970s and captures the tense environment of urban Parisian youth culture at the time. The film has powerful and magnetic performances by actors Virginie Ledoyen and Cyprien Fouquet, who play the roles of Christine and Gilles.
The film begins by introducing Christine and Gilles, both of whom are struggling to find their place in the world. They are bored with their suburban lives and seek thrills in various forms, including shoplifting. When the couple are caught in the act, Christine's father is furious and sends her away to a psychiatric institution.
Gilles is devastated by the news of Christine's institutionalization, but he is not deterred. Instead, he is determined to break her out and escape to a new life with her. The film is a coming-of-age story, as the two teens struggle with the pressures of their families and society.
The movie is deeply atmospheric, with director Olivier Assayas masterfully capturing the spirit of the time, with its drug use, music, and rebellion. The hand-held camera work and use of natural light add to the realism and immediacy of the film.
While Cold Water was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a cult following and is now regarded as a classic of French cinema. The movie is a powerful portrait of young love and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world.