
Stronger Than The Devil

Based on its title, Graham Guit’s Grimmfest 2026 feature Stronger Than The Devil might sound like a horror film, but it’s actually a dark comedy crime thriller. After 20 years of estrangement, a penniless and unpredictable man named Valentin unexpectedly reunites with his son, Joseph, and Joseph’s orderly girlfriend, Alice. Their quiet, predictable life spirals into chaos and danger when Valentin’s shady past catches up with him in the form of a sinister trio of criminal acquaintances.

Valentin is a lazy, overconfident stoner who delights in mooching off whoever crosses his path. When Alice recognizes Valentin in a grocery parking lot begging for change, she calls Joseph in hopes of healing his unresolved childhood abandonment issues. But her altruistic intentions backfire almost immediately as Valentin and his company’s influence take hold, leaving Joseph even more isolated than before.
Following a night of partying, Valentin begins to realize the severity of the chaos he has unleashed on his son, when (*spoiler alert- his associates kidnap Alice for human trafficking and snuff films)* Valentin must decide whether crack or morality wins his affection.

Nahuel Pérez Biscayart gives JP the weirdest, most wonderfully bizarre attitude. I am obsessed with his final act dance moves. Asia Argento is Mila, a total badass crime boss who reluctantly gives Valentin and friend PJ a shot. Her casual arrogance, biting humor, and unhinged masochism elevate the entire cast. She’s f*cking hilarious.
Joseph initially appears as a manchild, catering to the whims of his well-meaning girlfriend. Harpo Guit instills an earnest gentleness and care as he keeps Valentin at arm’s length. Alice is my feminist hero. Her IDGAF energy filled me with glee. Marine Vacth effortlessly gives her life, projecting relentless ferocity. Alice’s arc will have you cheering and pearl-clutching. Melvil Poupaud gives Valentin all the eye-roll-inducing messiness so audiences love and loathe him. His ability to scheme and manipulate is truly an art. It’s a wild performance to settle into.

The dialogue is beautifully absurd and laugh-out-loud funny. The camerawork perfectly balances classic French absurdist delight and crime thriller madness. Stronger Than The Devil moves through genres like chapters. The well-structured script keeps you on your toes with every turn, as circumstances grow darker while somehow maintaining an insane amount of levity. Graham Guit delivers an unapologetic and jaw-dropping film.
- Premiere status: UK premiere
- Length: 84 mins
- Year: 2026
- Rating: 15
- Language/country: France
- Cast: Melvil Poupaud, Marine Vacth, Asia Argento
- Director: Graham Guit
- Screenwriter: Graham Guit























Greg Schweers



Emily Bennett understands how to accentuate a feeling of claustrophobia. Stuck in a wildly angled apartment, brimming with eccentric kitsch, Charlie awaits the arrival of her girlfriend behind a front door that won’t open. As time passes, confusion arises. Simone should be home by now. Charlie hears voices, doesn’t know what time it is, and things seem to move on their own. Reality shifts under her, and things get worse by the minute.
Dora Madison, as Thea, is fantastic. She’s got this crunchy, stoner vibe. The way she holds the phone during her video calls with Charlie is incredible. It adds to the realism of her party friend vibe. Madison’s laid-back attitude counters Bennett perfectly. Emma Myles, who you’ll recognize from Orange Is The New Black, plays Simone. She’s the photographer girlfriend of Charlie. The script allows her to play both soft and hard moments, and she kills it.




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