Sauvage (2018)
A Bold Portrait of Longing, Survival, and Freedom
Sauvage, directed by Camille Vidal-Naquet, is a raw and unflinching film that dives deep into the life of Léo — a young man navigating the streets, the shadows, and the silence. At just 22 years old, Léo lives without a home, without direction, and without fear. He survives day by day, offering his body to strangers while quietly longing for something far more powerful — love, warmth, and human connection.
The film doesn’t sugarcoat or glorify. It presents Léo’s world in all its harshness — yet never judges him. Instead, it invites us into his experience with compassion. What sets Sauvage apart is its emotional honesty. There is no melodrama, no artificial conflict — just raw human vulnerability. Léo isn’t a victim, nor a hero. He is simply someone who refuses to hide his truth.
Félix Maritaud, who plays Léo, gives a performance that is fearless and emotionally layered. His portrayal feels real to the core — not acted, but lived. He brings to life a character who is both fragile and unbreakable, lonely yet radiant with hope. His eyes tell a story even when words are absent.
Visually, the film is intimate and immersive. The camera stays close to Léo, often handheld, capturing the smallest moments — a glance, a breath, a hesitation — making us feel like we are walking beside him.
Sauvage is not for everyone. It’s bold, emotional, and sometimes hard to watch. But it is also one of the most human and honest films about love and survival in recent years. It doesn’t ask for pity — only understanding.
