The world of classic cinema is set to return to French television screens with a renewed focus on psychological thrillers and the exploration of complex female characters. France 3 is reviving its “Cinéma de minuit” (Midnight Cinema) programming block, launching a new cycle dedicated to iconic women in film, beginning with a screening of the suspenseful drama, “Hantise” (translated as “Haunting” or “Obsession”), on Saturday, March 7, 2026. This revival comes after a period of inactivity for the long-running program, signaling a renewed commitment to showcasing compelling storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
“Cinéma de minuit” has long been a staple of French television, known for its late-night screenings of genre films and cult classics. The decision to relaunch the program with a thematic focus on female figures in cinema reflects a broader trend in the film industry towards greater representation and recognition of women’s contributions, both on and off screen. The choice of “Hantise” as the inaugural film is particularly noteworthy, as it delves into the unsettling dynamics of psychological manipulation and the fragility of the human psyche. The film, originally released in 1944, is a landmark in the psychological thriller genre and remains relevant today for its exploration of gaslighting and coercive control.
Exploring the Timeless Themes of “Hantise”
“Hantise,” directed by George Cukor, stars Ingrid Bergman as Paula Alquist, a woman who begins to question her own sanity after marrying the charismatic but manipulative Gregory Anton (played by Charles Boyer). The film masterfully portrays the insidious nature of gaslighting – a form of psychological abuse where a perpetrator attempts to develop a victim doubt their own reality. As Gregory isolates Paula from her friends and family and subtly undermines her perceptions, she becomes increasingly dependent on him and vulnerable to his control. L’Humanité notes the film’s relevance in decoding “perverse narcissists.”
The film’s enduring power lies in its ability to expose the subtle and often insidious ways in which abusers exert control over their victims. It’s a chilling portrayal of how manipulation can erode a person’s sense of self and leave them feeling isolated and helpless. “Hantise” doesn’t rely on overt violence or sensationalism; instead, it builds tension through psychological nuance and the masterful performances of its lead actors. The film’s exploration of these themes remains strikingly contemporary, resonating with audiences today as awareness of domestic abuse and coercive control continues to grow.
The Resurgence of Psychological Thrillers and Body Horror
The revival of “Cinéma de minuit” and its focus on films like “Hantise” coincides with a broader resurgence of interest in psychological thrillers and, interestingly, the body horror genre, particularly those directed by women. As Actu.fr reports, filmmakers like Julia Ducournau, Coralie Fargeat and Sasha Rainbow are pushing the boundaries of body horror, exploring themes of female identity, societal pressures, and the anxieties surrounding the female body. This trend reflects a growing desire to challenge conventional representations of women in cinema and to explore the darker, more complex aspects of the female experience.
Sasha Rainbow’s film, “Grafted,” released in November 2025, exemplifies this trend. The film centers on Wei, a medical student obsessed with achieving physical perfection through increasingly extreme skin grafts. “Grafted” delves into the societal pressures placed on women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the lengths to which some will go to achieve them. The film’s exploration of body modification and the anxieties surrounding appearance resonates with contemporary concerns about body image and the impact of social media. This exploration of the “hantise du corps féminin” (haunting of the female body) – as described by Actu.fr – highlights a powerful and unsettling commentary on modern society.
Sundance 2026: Films Exploring Trauma and Sexual Politics
The themes of trauma, manipulation, and the complexities of sexual experience were as well prominent at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Cinema Femme highlighted several films that tackled these difficult subjects with sensitivity and nuance. Beth de Araújo’s “Josephine,” in particular, garnered attention for its harrowing depiction of a young girl’s experience witnessing a violent crime.
“Josephine” tells the story of eight-year-old Josephine, who witnesses the brutal assault of a jogger although on a run with her father in Golden Gate Park. The film unfolds entirely from Josephine’s perspective, capturing her confusion, fear, and the lasting impact of the trauma. The film’s unflinching portrayal of the attack and its aftermath is both disturbing and profoundly moving. The film’s power lies in its ability to convey the emotional toll of violence on a child and the challenges of processing such a traumatic experience. The film’s focus on the immediate aftermath and the subsequent legal proceedings underscores the complexities of seeking justice and healing from trauma.
The Impact of Witnessing Violence
“Josephine” doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions surrounding the impact of witnessing violence. The film explores the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement and the legal system in cases involving child witnesses. It also raises important questions about the responsibility of parents to protect their children from harm and the long-term consequences of exposure to trauma. The film’s realistic portrayal of Josephine’s emotional state and her struggle to understand what she witnessed is particularly compelling. The film’s long accept during the attack, described by Cinema Femme, emphasizes the real-time horror and the lasting impact of the event.
The selection of these films – “Hantise,” “Grafted,” and “Josephine” – for screening and discussion points to a growing appetite for stories that challenge conventional narratives and explore the complexities of the human experience. The focus on female filmmakers and female characters suggests a desire to amplify marginalized voices and to offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes. The resurgence of psychological thrillers and body horror, particularly those directed by women, reflects a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and to explore the darker aspects of the human psyche.
Looking Ahead: Continued Exploration of Female Narratives
The revival of “Cinéma de minuit” and the continued success of female filmmakers at festivals like Sundance suggest that this trend is likely to continue. Audiences are increasingly seeking out stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, and films that explore the complexities of female identity and experience are resonating with viewers around the world. The upcoming cycle dedicated to great female figures in cinema on France 3 promises to offer a diverse and compelling selection of films that will challenge, inspire, and provoke discussion. The next scheduled screening, featuring “Hantise,” is set for Saturday, March 7, 2026, on France 3, offering viewers a chance to revisit a classic of psychological suspense and to reflect on its enduring relevance.
What are your thoughts on the resurgence of psychological thrillers and the increasing representation of female filmmakers? Share your comments below and let us know which films exploring these themes you would recommend.