In this drama directed and co-written by Claire Denis, Isabelle Huppert plays Maria, a white woman living in an unnamed francophone African country that is been falling into political chaos. Maria owns a coffee plantation and regards her property as her personal domain; she would rather fight than give up her land, though her stubborn attitude prevents her from admitting that she's putting those close to her in danger.
France continues to struggle in coming to terms with her colonial past, as indeed do all fallen empires, and this film is indicative of the complicated and emotive issues involved. While the film does well to refuse easy answers, it has a slightly caustic tone that makes it difficult to enjoy. Which is probably the point...