New Movies: Le système Victoria (2024) by Sylvain Desclous: When Ambition Meets Obsession in the Corporate Jungle
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 4
- 13 min read
Core Summary: A High-Rise Obsession
"Le système Victoria" (The Victoria System) is a 2024 French drama-thriller directed by Sylvain Desclous, known for "De Grandes espérances" (2023) and "Vendeur" (2016). Adapted from Éric Reinhardt's novel of the same name, the film follows David (Damien Bonnard), a site manager under immense pressure overseeing the construction of a towering skyscraper in La Défense, Paris. His life, consumed by insurmountable delays and overworked teams, is one of constant urgency. His world is turned upside down when he encounters Victoria (Jeanne Balibar), the audacious and ambitious HR director of a multinational corporation. Immediately seduced by her freedom and power, David quickly finds himself entangled in a passionate, all-consuming relationship. As the lines between his professional challenges and his intense personal life blur, David becomes increasingly trapped within Victoria's fascinating—and potentially dangerous—"system," leading to a gripping exploration of desire, manipulation, and the brutal realities of contemporary capitalism. The film premiered in 2024 and had its French theatrical release on March 5, 2025.
Snapshot: High Pressure Job, Magnetic HR Director, Dangerous Obsession
A stressed site manager building a skyscraper falls into an intense, all-consuming relationship with a powerful HR director, becoming ensnared in her manipulative corporate "system."
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29301256/
Link to watch: https://www.universcine.com/films/le-systeme-victoria (France)
Deep Dive: Power, Passion, and the Dehumanizing System
"Le système Victoria" offers a psychological exploration of obsession within a cutthroat corporate environment, with a distinctly French cinematic sensibility.
Key aspects that define "Le système Victoria":
Psychological Drama/Thriller: The film builds tension not through overt action, but through the escalating psychological stakes of David's relationship with Victoria and the relentless pressures of his job.
Critique of Modern Capitalism: It paints an "uncompromising portrait of the excesses of capitalism and the dehumanizing pressures it engenders," focusing on themes like overwork, impossible deadlines, and the manipulation of individuals for corporate gain.
Complex Power Dynamics: The relationship between David and Victoria is central, highlighting a dynamic where the older woman holds a position of "mentorship and intellectual domination," blurring lines of power, desire, and control.
Urban Setting as Metaphor: The ongoing construction of the skyscraper at La Défense—a symbol of corporate ambition—serves as a powerful backdrop and metaphor for David's own high-pressure, precarious existence.
Literary Adaptation: Being adapted from Éric Reinhardt's acclaimed novel, the film carries a literary depth, though Desclous' adaptation reportedly "departs from Éric Reinhardt’s novel to accentuate the dramatic and political dimension of the story."
Stylized Direction and Cinematography: With "stylized direction and meticulous photography," including cinematography inspired by "All the President's Men" (Les Hommes du Président) and a focus on long shots, the film aims for an intense, immersive experience.
Central Performances: The film heavily relies on the chemistry and performances of Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar, both highly regarded French actors, to convey the intensity of their complex relationship.
"Le système Victoria" promises to be a thought-provoking and visually engaging deep dive into the intoxicating, yet perilous, interplay of professional ambition and personal obsession.
The Journey: From Professional Strain to Personal Entrapment
David's Pressured World: David Kolski is introduced as a site manager under immense pressure, battling "insurmountable delays, incessant pressure and overworked teams" on a massive skyscraper project in La Défense. His life is defined by urgency and stress.
Meeting Victoria: One evening, David encounters Victoria Winter, an ambitious and seemingly free-spirited HR director of a multinational. He is immediately captivated by her audacity, independence, and strong will.
The Seduction of "The System": Their meeting quickly develops into a passionate and all-consuming relationship. Victoria draws David into her world, which is characterized by a "life of decadence and desire" but also by an iron-fisted control, mirroring how she manages her employees.
Blurring Lines: As David's professional and personal lives become intertwined, the pressures from his job intensify, while his relationship with Victoria grows increasingly complex and manipulative. He finds himself "trapped in a system that is beyond his control."
Descent into Alienation: The film portrays David's growing entrapment, suggesting a gradual "dehumanizing" process driven by the excesses of capitalism and the dynamics of his relationship with Victoria. He becomes increasingly alienated.
Uncompromising Portrait: The narrative is an "incisive critique of the world of work" and explores "dynamics of power and desire rarely highlighted in cinematic narratives," leading to David's ultimate realization of his predicament. The film's ending reportedly departs from the novel to enhance the dramatic and political impact.
Director's Lens: Sylvain Desclous' Incisive Look at Power and Passion
Sylvain Desclous continues his exploration of contemporary social themes, often through the lens of individual struggles. In "Le système Victoria," he uses a sharp, analytical approach combined with a focus on psychological intensity.
Critique of Contemporary Work Culture: Desclous extends his interest in the world of work (seen in "Vendeur") by dissecting the dehumanizing pressures of ambitious corporate environments. He depicts the relentless demands and how they spill over into personal lives.
Filmmakers aiming to critique social or economic systems should create environments that visually and narratively embody those pressures. Show, don't just tell, how demanding work cultures, for example, affect characters' mental states, relationships, and moral choices.
Psychological Intensity and Power Dynamics: The core of the film lies in the complex, often unsettling, power dynamics within the relationship between David and Victoria. Desclous focuses on the psychological manipulation and seduction that define their bond.
When exploring complex interpersonal power dynamics, directors can use subtle cues—framing, eye lines, dialogue subtext, and even costume—to convey who holds the emotional or intellectual upper hand. This creates a more nuanced and psychologically rich narrative than overt displays of dominance.
Stylized Visuals and Metaphorical Settings: The film uses a "stylized direction" and sets the story against the backdrop of a skyscraper under construction, a powerful metaphor for ambition and fragility.
Directors can enhance their film's thematic depth by choosing settings that serve as metaphors for the characters' internal states or the film's broader messages. Visual storytelling through environment can add significant layers of meaning without relying solely on dialogue.
Central Themes: Corporate Alienation, Sexual & Emotional Power, Obsession, Control, and the Cost of Ambition
The Dehumanization of Work: How relentless professional pressure and the pursuit of corporate success can erode individual well-being and identity.
The Nature of Power: Exploring power not just in hierarchical corporate structures, but also in intimate relationships, and how it can be used for manipulation and control.
Obsession and Seduction: The destructive nature of an all-consuming passion that blurs boundaries and leads to a loss of self.
Masculinity in Crisis: David's journey can be seen as an exploration of contemporary masculinity confronting a powerful, dominant female figure and a system that overwhelms him.
Reality vs. Illusion: The film likely explores whether David's attraction to Victoria is true love or merely an extension of his professional ambition and desire to control.
Why It Shines: A Taut, Intellectually Engaging Drama
Compelling Performances: Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar are known for their powerful, nuanced acting.
Relevant Social Critique: Offers a timely look at the pressures of modern corporate life and the excesses of capitalism.
Intriguing Psychological Exploration: Delves deep into themes of power, obsession, and manipulation in relationships.
Stylized and Immersive Direction: Promises a visually sophisticated and tense cinematic experience.
Literary Foundation: Adapted from a well-regarded novel, lending intellectual depth.
Critics Reception: Praised for its Intensity and Social Relevance, with Some Mixed Views on Execution
"Le système Victoria" has garnered attention from French critics, who generally acknowledge its ambition and relevance, though some express reservations about its execution.
Intense and Relevant Themes: Critics widely praise the film for tackling "power relationships and passions in the workplace," and for being an "incisive critique of the world of work." Sortiraparis.com describes it as a "gripping drama of passion and social criticism," exploring "the excesses of capitalism and the dehumanizing pressures it engenders." [Source: Sortiraparis.com, "The Victoria System: a gripping drama of passion and social criticism", Jan 28, 2025]
Strong Lead Performances: The acting, particularly by Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar, is frequently highlighted as a strength. Sortiraparis.com notes that it's "a powerful drama supported by nuanced performances." [Source: Sortiraparis.com, Jan 28, 2025]
Stylized Direction: The film's "stylized direction and meticulous photography," including influence from "All the President's Men," is noted, promising an "intense, immersive experience." [Source: Sortiraparis.com, Jan 28, 2025]
Mixed Reception on Narrative Cohesion: Some reviews suggest the film struggles to fully integrate its different thematic axes. For instance, Benzine Magazine gave it a mixed review, titling it "Industrial disaster" and stating it's an "awkward assemblage of two different films, each presenting a priori some interest, which never meet." They found it "empty of meaning" at times and that the "maladroit script" failed to create real suspense. [Source: Benzine Magazine, "Le système Victoria": désastre industriel", March 9, 2025] This indicates a potential divisiveness among critics regarding its narrative structure.
Overall Summary: Critics acknowledge "Le système Victoria" as an ambitious and timely film that offers a piercing critique of contemporary corporate life and complex power dynamics, bolstered by strong lead performances and a distinct visual style. However, some reviews suggest that its execution of integrating different narrative threads might be a point of contention.
Audience Reactions: Drawn to Social Commentary and Intense Drama (Early Stages)
As "Le système Victoria" had its French theatrical release in March 2025, audience reviews on platforms like AlloCiné or SensCritique (French equivalents to Rotten Tomatoes/Letterboxd) are accumulating, but a broad consensus is still forming. Based on its premise and critical reception, anticipated audience reactions include:
Engagement with Social Themes: Viewers concerned with work-life balance, corporate pressures, and the human cost of capitalism will likely find the film highly relevant and thought-provoking.
Appreciation for Intense Drama: Audiences who enjoy psychological thrillers with complex relationships and a focus on character deterioration will be drawn to David's story.
Interest in French Auteur Cinema: Fans of sophisticated, character-driven French dramas and thrillers will be a key audience segment.
Discussion about Power Dynamics: The film's exploration of manipulation and control in both professional and personal spheres is likely to spark debate.
Overall Summary: "Le système Victoria" is expected to resonate with audiences who seek intellectually stimulating and emotionally intense dramas that provide a critical lens on contemporary societal issues, particularly those related to work and power.
Box Office Performance: Art-House Release, Steady Build
"Le système Victoria" has pursued a typical art-house distribution strategy, focusing on critical reception and a targeted theatrical release.
Festival Presence: Premiered in 2024 at festivals like Premiers Plans d'Angers.
Theatrical Release: Released in France on March 5, 2025, by The Jokers distribution. It's listed with a 1h 41m runtime.
International Sales: France TV Distribution is handling international sales, suggesting efforts to secure releases in other territories.
Modest Commercial Expectations: As a drama/thriller from an auteur director, its box office will likely be modest, relying more on critical word-of-mouth and eventual digital/streaming availability.
Overall Summary: "Le système Victoria" is performing as expected for a French art-house drama, prioritizing critical engagement and a focused theatrical release, with its long-term reach dependent on international distribution deals.
Production Notes: A Collaborative European Effort
Original Title: Le système Victoria
International Title: The Victoria System
Directed by: Sylvain Desclous
Screenplay: Sylvain Desclous, Laurette Polmanss, Éric Reinhardt (based on his novel "Le système Victoria")
Main Cast:
Damien Bonnard as David Kolski
Jeanne Balibar as Victoria Winter
Cédric Appietto
Antonia Buresi
Sharif Andoura
Ouassini Embarek
François Busnel
Éric Reinhardt (cameo)
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Romance, Erotica (elements)
Country of Production: France, Belgium (Co-production)
Language: French
Runtime: 101 / 106 / 101 minutes (variously reported, 101 min is common)
Cinematography: Inès Tabarin
Music: Florencia Di Concilio
Editing: Isabelle Poudevigne
Production Design: Catalina Labra
Costume Design: Élisa Ingrassia
Producers: David Gauquié, Julien Deris, Kristina Larsen, Manuel Chiche, Jean-Luc Ormières
Production Companies: Madison Films, Cinéfrance Studios, Panache Productions, La Compagnie Cinématographique, Umedia, Be TV
Filming Dates: July 25 to August 31, 2023 (post-production began Sept 2023)
Budget: Approx. €2.4 million
Production Companies: A Strong French-Belgian Alliance
Madison Films (France)
Cinéfrance Studios (France)
Panache Productions (Belgium)
La Compagnie Cinématographique (Belgium)
Umedia (Belgium)
Be TV (Belgium)
Sales & Distribution: French Theatrical, International Sales by France TV
French Distributor: The Jokers Films
International Sales: France TV Distribution
Other Distributors: Anga Distribution (Belgium), Frenetic Films (Switzerland)
Release Timeline: Festival Premiere to European Rollout
2024: Festival premieres (e.g., Angoulême Film Festival, Premiers Plans d'Angers).
March 5, 2025: Theatrical Release in France (and Belgium).
March 12, 2025: Theatrical Release in Switzerland.
Ongoing 2025: Expected to continue screening at international festivals and seek further distribution.
Why See It: For a Gripping Blend of Corporate Drama and Psychological Thriller
If you are fascinated by power dynamics: Explores control, manipulation, and seduction in a modern context.
For a sharp critique of corporate life: Reflects the relentless pressures and dehumanizing aspects of contemporary work.
If you appreciate strong lead performances: Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar deliver compelling portrayals.
For a sophisticated, stylized French drama: Offers a unique visual and narrative approach.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers driven by character relationships: The tension builds through the intense bond between David and Victoria.
Why Watch: If You Seek Intellectually Stimulating and Emotionally Charged Cinema
If you're drawn to adaptations of acclaimed literary works: Provides a cinematic interpretation of Éric Reinhardt's novel.
To explore the blurred lines between professional ambition and personal obsession: A central theme that resonates with modern life.
If you appreciate films that delve into complex human relationships: The core is the intricate, often unsettling, bond.
For a thought-provoking commentary on societal pressures: Examines how external demands impact individual well-being.
If you enjoy auteur cinema that challenges and provokes: Sylvain Desclous brings a distinct vision to the screen.
Movie Trend: Corporate Noir and Psychosexual Dramas
"Le système Victoria" (2024) fits squarely within the emerging movie trend of Corporate Noir and Psychosexual Dramas. It takes the high-stakes, often morally ambiguous environment of the corporate world and infuses it with intense psychological and sexual tension. This trend explores how the pursuit of power and ambition within cutthroat professional settings can bleed into personal lives, leading to destructive relationships, manipulation, and a blurring of ethical boundaries. The film's focus on an obsessive relationship intertwined with corporate pressures, and its stylish, atmospheric direction, are hallmarks of this genre, reflecting contemporary anxieties about work, control, and desire.
Social Trend: The Dehumanizing Impact of Extreme Work Culture and Power Dynamics
"Le système Victoria" (2024) directly addresses the pervasive social trend of the Dehumanizing Impact of Extreme Work Culture and Power Dynamics in modern society. The film vividly portrays David's life consumed by "insurmountable delays, incessant pressure and overworked teams" in the high-stakes corporate world, reflecting a growing societal concern about burnout, stress, and the erosion of personal well-being in demanding professions. Furthermore, the manipulative power dynamics within David's relationship with Victoria, an HR director, highlight broader anxieties about control, exploitation, and the blurring of professional and personal boundaries. The film serves as a critical commentary on how capitalist excesses can dehumanize individuals, turning them into cogs in a system that demands their absolute allegiance, resonating with a global workforce increasingly grappling with the pressures of hyper-competitive environments.
Final Verdict: A Piercing Gaze into Capitalism's Corrosive Heart
"Le système Victoria" (The Victoria System) (2024), directed by Sylvain Desclous, emerges as a captivating and unsettling French drama-thriller that expertly dissects the relentless pressures of modern corporate ambition and the intoxicating yet perilous dynamics of obsession. Released in France in March 2025 following festival premieres, the film draws audiences into the world of David, a site manager overwhelmed by his skyscraper project, whose life is irrevocably altered by his intense entanglement with the enigmatic HR director, Victoria. Desclous crafts a tense, psychological narrative, effectively blurring the lines between professional and personal control, fueled by the compelling performances of Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar. While some critical voices noted challenges in integrating its narrative threads, "Le système Victoria" remains a highly relevant and visually sophisticated work, serving as a sharp, uncompromising critique of capitalism's dehumanizing grip and the intoxicating, often destructive, allure of power and desire.
Recommendations for filmmakers: Mastering the Fusion of Social Critique and Psychological Drama
Integrate Societal Critique Seamlessly into Personal Drama: "Le système Victoria" effectively critiques the excesses of capitalism and corporate pressure by making them the backdrop and often the driving force behind David's personal and psychological unraveling. Filmmakers should aim to weave their social commentary organically into the characters' lived experiences, ensuring that the broader societal issues are not just external observations but deeply impactful forces shaping individual destinies. This approach allows the audience to emotionally connect with the abstract concepts of societal critique, making the film's message more resonant and less didactic. By showing how systemic pressures affect personal lives, directors can create powerful, multi-layered narratives.
Harness Power Dynamics as a Central Narrative and Thematic Engine: The core of the film's tension lies in the complex and often manipulative power dynamics between David and Victoria, mirroring the corporate environment. Directors should explore how power operates in various forms—professional, personal, emotional—and use these dynamics to drive the plot, develop character arcs, and explore the film's central themes of control, seduction, and vulnerability. By making power dynamics central, filmmakers can create intense psychological dramas that reveal the intricate ways individuals influence and, at times, dominate one another, offering profound insights into human nature and relationships.
Utilize Setting and Visual Style as Metaphors for Character State and Societal Themes: The ongoing construction of the skyscraper in La Défense serves as a potent metaphor for David's ambition, stress, and the dehumanizing nature of the corporate world. Filmmakers should thoughtfully select and design their film's settings, and employ a specific visual style (e.g., precise cinematography, framing, color palettes), to reflect the characters' internal states and reinforce the film's broader thematic concerns. This visual storytelling enhances the narrative, adding layers of meaning without relying solely on dialogue. A carefully crafted aesthetic can transform a mere backdrop into an active participant in the story, deepening the audience's understanding of the film's world and its messages.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Championing Relevant Critiques and Bold Storytelling
Invest in Films that Provide Timely and Incisive Social Commentary: "Le système Victoria" offers a critical look at modern work culture and capitalist excesses, themes of increasing global relevance. The industry should actively support and finance films that bravely tackle contemporary social issues, even if they present uncomfortable truths, recognizing their potential to spark important conversations and reflect societal anxieties. By prioritizing such projects, the industry can remain culturally relevant and contribute to vital public discourse, demonstrating a commitment to more than just escapism and fostering a deeper engagement with the complexities of the modern world.
Support Auteur Visions that Blend Genres for Intellectual Depth: Sylvain Desclous' film weaves together drama, thriller, and romance, creating a complex psychological narrative. The industry should empower auteur directors who are willing to experiment with genre blending, using these fusions to achieve greater intellectual and emotional depth, rather than simply adhering to conventional genre molds. This encourages innovative storytelling and allows for the exploration of themes in more nuanced and unexpected ways, attracting discerning audiences who seek sophisticated, thought-provoking cinema that challenges established cinematic norms.
Cultivate Global Audiences for European Art-House Cinema: "Le système Victoria" represents high-quality French art-house cinema with universal themes. The industry, particularly distributors and sales agents, should aggressively pursue strategies to cultivate and expand the global audience for European art-house films, leveraging festival success and diverse distribution channels (theatrical, VOD, streaming platforms). This ensures that artistically significant films from diverse cinematic traditions can reach beyond their domestic markets, enriching the global film landscape and providing audiences worldwide with access to varied cultural perspectives and compelling storytelling.
Final Conclusions: A Disquieting Reflection on the Soul's Price
"Le système Victoria" (2024), Sylvain Desclous' compelling and stylish drama-thriller, offers a sharp, unsettling commentary on the relentless pressures of contemporary corporate existence and the intoxicating, yet ultimately destructive, dance of power and desire. Having launched in French cinemas in March 2025, the film draws its strength from an intense psychological exploration, masterfully brought to life by the commanding performances of Damien Bonnard and Jeanne Balibar. Desclous crafts a world where professional ambition bleeds into personal obsession, creating a suffocating system that blurs ethical boundaries and exacts a heavy toll on the individual. While some critics debated its narrative cohesion, the film's unflinching gaze into capitalism's dehumanizing heart, combined with its sophisticated visual language, makes "Le système Victoria" a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic statement. It is a timely and disquieting reflection on the price of success and the profound, often tragic, cost of surrendering one's autonomy to an all-consuming system.
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