There is something quite disgusting about Last summerwhich is about a married woman who has an affair with her 17-year-old stepson.

What drives a happily married woman with a high-ranking job and a loving husband to jeopardize her marriage by engaging in such an illicit affair?

When Pierre’s (Oliver Rabourdin) son Theo (Samuel Kircher) is expelled from boarding school for incorrigible behavior, he returns to live with his father and stepmother Anne (Lea Drucker). At first he is distant, but after a few outings with his stepmother and stepsisters, his excitement subsides.

The time spent with Theo awakens certain desires in Anne – a first kiss leads to a lasting, passionate sexual relationship. They say love works in mysterious ways. But is it love or lust?

Things get awkward when Theo tells his father about the affair – is she the bad guy for giving in to his advances? Should a woman who knows the difference between good and evil have entered into such a forbidden affair?

A discreet and passionately hot sexual affair turns dark in the second half as the drama turns into a cat-and-mouse game and thriller elements emerge.

The acting is second to none, but the sexual attraction between Anne and her stepson Theo is difficult to understand, as there is no sexual chemistry between them. Perhaps if a more mature actor with striking good looks had been cast in the role of Theo, rather than one with scrawny and boyish features, the believability element would have seeped through.

The sex scenes between Anne and Theo are too lengthy and explicit and may be offensive to women who may be averse to a plot in which a mature woman has sexual intercourse with a young man whose youthful appearance suggests that he is still a child.

But what would a French film be without hot sex scenes?

Somewhere in the depths of illicit sex and forbidden relationships lies an overshadowing story about the relationship between father and son. Who tells vile lies? Should a father believe his son more than the words of his wife?

When a sensitive audience internalizes the amoral nature of this story, they may find that interesting discussions develop, raising the question: Who is the real villain in this narrative?

Disappointments can occur in the final moments. Last summer for viewers who expect clarity and closure, as it leaves the audience with more questions than answers.

★★½
In cinemas on 5 September