The Cement Garden is a 1993 British drama film directed by Andrew Birkin, based on the novel of the same name by Ian McEwan. The film stars Charlotte Gainsbourg as Julie, Andrew Robertson as Jack, Alice Coulthard as Sue, and Ned Birkin as Tom.
The story is set in a dilapidated house in a desolate suburban area of England during the summer. Following the death of their father, the four siblings are left to fend for themselves when their mother falls ill and eventually dies. Rather than alerting the authorities, the children decide to keep their mother's death a secret and bury her in the cement floor of their basement. The siblings begin to engage in bizarre, dysfunctional behavior, such as Jack and Julie's incestuous relationship, and Tom's cross-dressing.
As Julie and Jack's relationship intensifies, Julie becomes pregnant, but the siblings keep this a secret from everyone, including Derek, Julie's new boyfriend. Tensions rise in the household as Derek, a nosy neighbor, and Sue's revealing diary threaten to expose the family's secrets.
The film explores themes of isolation, sexuality, and the breakdown of the family unit. Despite its disturbing subject matter, The Cement Garden received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising the performances of its young cast and the evocative tone of Birkin's direction.