Léa Seydoux's married a Gentle Monster in scandal-inspired drama

In January 2023, Austrian director Marie Kreutzer released her film Corsage, just three weeks after actor Florian Teichtmeister was charged with possession of child pornography. Teichtmeister's possession of over 76,000 files dated between 2008 and 2021 inspired Kreutzer to create her follow-up film, Gentle Monster. The film centers around concert pianist Lucy, played by Léa Seydoux, whose relationship with her husband Philip, portrayed by Laurence Rupp, deteriorates after authorities seize Philip's electronics, suspecting the distribution of sexually explicit videos involving children.

The story unfolds with an investigation that includes bureaucratic banality and flashbacks hinting at Philip's suspicious behavior in the past. While Lucy is portrayed as completely blindsided by the scandal, Kreutzer and the Austrian film industry were also criticized for their lack of response to reports of misogyny and abuse within the industry.

The film does not fully explore the repercussions of Teichtmeister's crime, instead focusing on the dysfunctional family dynamic and Lucy's unique approach as a pianist. Seydoux's portrayal of Lucy is described as utterly enthralling, but the film fails to fully grapple with the ignorance that may have contributed to the scandal.