Directed by Laurent Cantet and set in France, THE WORKSHOP is about a writing group set up for a group of young adults in La Ciotat. The classes are led by well known novelist from Paris, Olivia Dejazet. Her task is to support them in writing and publishing a crime novel, but one student in particular, Antoine, stands out from the rest…

The strength of the film lies in its characters more than anything. Each one is unique to the story, and due to their varying backgrounds it’s possible to consider and question issues around racism and extremism. The two stars in particular, Olivia Dejazet, played by Marina Fois, and Antoine, played by Mattieu Lucci, both  portray a strange obsession which helps form the odd relationship they have with each other. As we start to learn more about Antoine’s personal life he manages to become a more likable character, which initially seemed unlikely given his first impressions.

Though some scenes may feel irrelevant to the story, such as its opening, a quick playthrough of The Witcher 3, it doesn’t detract from the more powerful scenes like the topical debates between the classmates. Though the film may slow down at times, those who aspire to become writers could take notes from the well written class discussion, as well as the ideas that come across throughout  – and it is worth watching for all just for the powerful final scenes.