…
Switzerland
Locarno 2026: Assisted Suicide and Trans Identity at the Heart of Two Competition Films
Herz — Switzerland Desk · · 30s summary · 1 min read
The essentials
The 79th Locarno Film Festival presents on August 9, 2026, two films in international competition that place the body and death at the heart of their narratives. Quebec director Denis Côté presents 'Violence of the Body of the Other,' a portrait of a woman who helps strangers die. German filmmaker Isabelle Stever offers 'I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming,' telling the story of a queer couple whose member—a trans Ukrainian man—is called to the front. According to critic Stéphane Gobbo of Le Temps, the two films stand out distinctly in their emotional impact.
- Denis Côté (Quebec) presents 'Violence of the Body of the Other,' about assisting strangers' death
- Isabelle Stever (Germany) signs 'I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming,' about a trans Ukrainian man called to war
- Both films compete in the international competition at the 79th Locarno Film Festival on August 9, 2026
- Le Temps critic praises Stever's film's sensitivity, less convinced by Côté's work
What we know
On August 9, 2026, two films in international competition at the 79th Locarno Film Festival place the body and death at the center of their narratives, according to Le Temps: 'Violence of the Body of the Other' by Quebec director Denis Côté and 'I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming' by German filmmaker Isabelle Stever.
'Violence of the Body of the Other': Denis Côté and Assisted Suicide
Denis Côté's film follows Mira, a woman living on the margins of society. She accompanies strangers in their death by dissolving poison in a glass of water.
'I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming': Trans Identity and War in Ukraine
Isabelle Stever's film depicts a queer couple confronted with a moral dilemma. Oleh, a young trans Ukrainian man who has officially changed sex, is called to the front following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Critical Perspectives
Stéphane Gobbo, critic at Le Temps, judges that Denis Côté's film fails to move viewers. He praises, however, the sensitivity of Isabelle Stever's work.
What is 'Violence of the Body of the Other' by Denis Côté about?
This film follows Mira, a woman living on the margins of society, who accompanies strangers in their suicide by dissolving poison in a glass of water.
What is the central subject of 'I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming'?
Isabelle Stever's film follows a queer couple confronted with a moral dilemma: Oleh, a trans Ukrainian man who has officially changed sex, is called to fight on the front after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
What does the critical reception say about these two films?
Stéphane Gobbo of Le Temps believes that Denis Côté's film fails to move the viewer. He judges Isabelle Stever's film to be sensitive and successful.
Topics
Related articles
Latest articles
The illustrations in this article are generated by artificial intelligence.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to react.
