Binoche's New Film: Consent in the Age of Dementia

The new drama "Queen at Sea," opening in theaters today, presents a profound moral quandary surrounding consent and autonomy for individuals with advanced dementia. The film centers on Amanda, who relocates to be near her mother, Leslie, whose dementia has progressed significantly.

Amanda's concerns about her stepfather Martin's care for Leslie escalate after a discovery at her mother's home prompts her to involve the police. This action initiates a series of events with far-reaching implications, including the potential separation of Leslie and Martin.

Written and directed by Lance Hammer, the 121-minute film, his first feature since 2008, features Juliette Binoche as Amanda, Tom Courtenay as Martin, and Anna Calder-Marshall as Leslie. It earned the Silver Bear Jury Prize at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, where Courtenay and Calder-Marshall also shared a Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance.

The narrative thoughtfully navigates the conflict between Amanda's belief that Leslie can no longer consent and Martin's assertion that he understands his wife's needs. It explores aging, intimacy, and responsibility through the lenses of multiple family members, including Amanda's teenage daughter, Sara.