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Cannes Kicks Off With Electric Scam and Unexpected Love
12 May
Summary
- A sideshow performer runs a scam that leads to romance.
- The film blends melodrama, romp, tragedy, and romantic comedy.
- Set in a stylized Paris of 1928, the story unfolds at a carnival.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival commenced on Tuesday with the premiere of Pierre Salvadori's "The Electric Kiss." The film, set in a stylized Paris of 1928, centers on a carnival sideshow performer.
Suzanne, known as "Venus Electrificata," endures painful electric shocks for a meager wage. She becomes involved in a scam, pretending to be a psychic to console a grieving artist, Antoine.
This deception is facilitated by Antoine's art dealer, who seeks to revive the artist's career. The narrative weaves through layers of pretense, blending melodrama, comedy, and tragedy.
Despite its meandering plot, the film explores themes of grief and deception. Salvadori's light touch ensures a charming, if slightly clunky, opening to the festival, hinting at the main courses to follow.
