François Ozon’s sterling adaptation of Albert Camus’ landmark novel is a gripping account of human absurdity in 1930s French-colonised Algeria.

It is a hot summer day when Meursault learns about his mother’s passing. What follows is a series of events leading to a tragedy that questions the intentions and moral standing of the protagonist. Shot with a muted palette and featuring understated performances, Ozon superbly captures Meursault’s stillness, passivity and lack of compassion, making us witnesses to his sociopathy.

More than 80 years after it was published, The Stranger transfers to film for a third time in mostly compelling fashion, and the small adjustments to Camus’ plot afford a little modernity without a more obvious update.

French with English subtitles