Marguerite's Theorem

From The Distrib Films Collection

Directed by Anna Novion

115 minutes / Color
French / English subtitles
Release: 2024
Copyright: 2023

The trajectory of Marguerite’s future, a brilliant mathematics PhD at France's prestigious Ecole Normale Supérieure, seems perfectly planned out. As the only woman in her class in the male-dominated field of mathematics, Marguerite (Ella Rumpf) nervously awaits the completion of her years of hard work at her upcoming thesis defense.

However, on the crucial day, an unexpected mistake in Marguerite’s theorem throws off these plans, triggering a personal crisis that unravels all her certainties and career aspirations.

film poster

With her old life upended, she has to navigate the real world for the first time—gaining fresh insights on life, meeting new friends, and exploring the possibility of romance. MARGUERITE’S THEOREM is an unexpectedly tender and life-affirming portrait of one woman’s journey to define life on her own terms and find a balance between the rationality of the mind and the need for human connection.

“Following in the footsteps of Gus Van Sant’s ‘Good Will Hunting,’ Anna Novion’s ‘Marguerite’s Theorem’ traces the captivating trajectory of a brilliant, obsessive, and maverick mathematician portrayed by the excellent Ella Rumpf.” —Bande à part

“Anna Novion’s new film immerses the viewer in an intimate investigation into the heart of mathematical research. It’s a formula that works, propelled by the actress Ella Rumpf.” —Franceinfo Culture

“With ‘Marguerite’s Theorem,’ Anna Novion reinvents the ‘prodigy film’ formula by adding a fascinating heroine and sensuality.” —GQ

“Anna Novion tells her film ‘Marguerite’s Theorem,’ a sort of existential quest against the backdrop of mathematical equations and overflowing emotions. A third feature film that definitively establishes her talent as a filmmaker, with a delightful revelation in Ella Rumpf and an evident confirmation in Jean-Pierre Darroussin.” —L’Humanité

“Anna Novion’s heroes turn their vulnerability into strength. This is also the case with Marguerite, portrayed by the astonishing Ella Rumpf, soaring with a direction that is initially almost geometric, then with a handheld camera.” —L’Obs

“As surprising as it is stirring, this marvel surprises with its subject: a mathematical romance! Anna Novion’s third feature film has all the elements of a scientific and romantic thriller, painting the portrait of a young woman as unique as she is endearing.” —Le Parisien

“The filmmaker effortlessly captures the inner world of her heroine, as well as her path towards liberation.” —Ouest France

“Offer[s] a touching romance with serious undertones, that’s a tender reminder of how to elevate a tried and true narrative without necessarily reinventing it.” —Film Inquiry

"[A] pleasant surprise...I hope this film finds the large, smart audience it deserves." —FulvueDrive-in

“Anna Novion has created pulse-pounding suspense out of the seemingly mundane subject of math...a brilliantly observed character study.”  —Flipside Reviews

Other Ways to Watch

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Home use DVD for $26.98

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Purchase DVD for $245.00

Credits

A film by Anna Novion

Starring Ella Rumpf, Jean-Pierre Darroussin and Clotilde Courau

Select Accolades

  • World Premiere, Cannes Film Festival 2023
  • Ella Rumpf, Best Female Revelation, César Awards 2024
  • Ella Rumpf, Best Female Revelation, Lumières Award 2024
  • Ella Rumpf, Best Female Revelation, Paris Film Critics Association Awards 2024
  • Anne-Sophie Delseries, Young Film Technician Award, The Higher Technical Commission for Sound and Images 2023
  • Sedona International Film Festival 2024
  • Sun And Stars Film Festival 2024
  • River Run Film Festival 2024
  • Sacramento French Film Festival 2024

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