Jean-Christophe Simon

Jean-Christophe Simon’s filmography? Oh, it’s a wild ride through some seriously fascinating cinematic territory. “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (2024) is his latest, and honestly, it’s the kind of movie that leaves your brain buzzing for hours after. Set against the backdrop of a teetering society, the story digs into family dynamics and political chaos—one of those films where you’re never quite sure if you should be rooting for anyone or just watching the world burn alongside them. Gritty, sort of uncomfortable, but in that “can’t look away” kind of way. Before that, he had his hands on “Border” (2018), which—let’s get real—was like nothing else. It’s all trolls, identity, and the weirdest romance you’ll ever see. The film blurs the line between fantasy and reality so well, you start questioning what’s actually possible. There’s a rawness, a primal energy, tons of awkward silences, and moments that’ll make you squirm in your seat. But, in a good way. And then there’s “Teströl És Lélekröl” (2017), which is Hungarian for “On Body and Soul.” This one’s way quieter but packs an emotional punch. Two socially awkward people working at a slaughterhouse somehow connect through shared dreams about deer. Sounds weird, but it’s oddly beautiful—delicate, even. Simon’s got an eye for the strange and the profound, and he’s not afraid to make you feel a little uncomfortable while he’s at it. The guy definitely doesn’t play it safe, and honestly, that’s refreshing.