Adapted from two acclaimed graphic novels, MARS ET AVRIL is set in a futuristic Montreal, where humanity is about to set foot on Mars.
Jacob Obus, a charismatic musician, can seemingly slow down time by playing instruments, designed by his friend Arthur, that are inspired by women’s bodies. A love triangle develops when Jacob and Arthur both fall in love with Avril, a young photographer.
Enter Eugène Spaak, inventor, cosmologist and Arthur’s father, who unveils a new theory about man’s desire to reach Mars, and helps Jacob find the true meaning of life and love.
With sumptuous and dazzling retro-futurist production design, there are echoes of both Lang’s METROPOLIS and Gilliam’s BRAZIL, rather than the dystopian noir backdrops seen in many SF films since BLADE RUNNER.
MARS ET AVRIL delivers something between a high-gloss Hollywood future-world and a cultured, subtle indie-auteur piece.
This striking début is a visually ravishing tribute to the power of love.