Cannes 2024 - Wild Diamond by Agathe Riedinger

Agathe Riedinger’s Wild Diamond is a tough, uncompromising film that captures the turbulence of adolescence with unflinching honesty and a surprising touch of lyricism. Set against the backdrop of social media obsession and the relentless pursuit of fame, the film tells the story of Lia (Malou Khebizi), a teenage girl desperate to escape her working-class reality. 

Riedinger’s debut is a visually arresting and emotionally resonant exploration of identity, aspiration, and the cost of chasing dreams in a world that often feels indifferent. From the opening scenes, Wild Diamond establishes itself as a film unafraid to confront harsh realities. Riedinger’s direction is bold and assured, blending gritty realism in a style that we are more accustomed to see in British cinema than French one, with moments of poetic beauty. The camera lingers on Lia’s world—a cramped apartment, a sun-drenched beach, the glow of a smartphone screen—creating a vivid portrait of her inner and outer life. 

The film’s visual style is striking, with a keen attention to color and composition that underscores its themes, with the claustrophobic living conditions of Lia presented in a brown, oppressive palette. Neon lights and natural landscapes contrast sharply, reflecting Lia’s struggle to reconcile her dreams with her circumstances. 

At the heart of the film is Malou Khebizi’s raw and extraordinary performance. As Lia, she embodies the restless energy and vulnerability of a teenager on the brink of adulthood, her every gesture and expression conveying a depth of emotion that belies her age. Khebizi’s portrayal is both fierce and fragile, capturing the contradictions of a character who is at once defiant and deeply insecure. Riedinger’s script is a masterclass in balancing harsh realism with some rare moments of hope and beauty. The dialogue feels authentic, capturing the rhythms of everyday speech while revealing the characters’ inner lives. Lia’s interactions with her family, friends, and the strangers she encounters on her journey are filled with a sense of urgency and desperation, yet among the grit and chaos, there are flashes of lyricism such as a quiet moment by the sea, a fleeting smile and a burst of sunlight through a window that offer glimpses of hope and possibility. 

Riedinger’s impresses with her ability to navigate the complexities of her subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, especially for a first film. The film’s exploration of social media and its impact on young people is handled with much insight. Riedinger’s direction is particularly confident with a distinctly cinematic sensibility. What makes Wild Diamond so affecting is its refusal to offer easy answers. Lia’s journey is fraught with setbacks and disappointments, yet there is a resilience to her character that feels deeply human. Riedinger doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Lia’s world, but she also doesn’t lose sight of the beauty and potential that exist within it. The result is a film that is as hopeful as it is heartbreaking.

Review by Laurent de Alberti

Star rating: ★★★★☆

Official Selection, in competition.

Wild Diamond. Directed by Agathe Riedinger. Starring Malou Khebizi...