Alps (2011)

“Puzzling and provocative, Alps has a lingering power and an effect that is thrillingly difficult to define.” — Time Out

A nurse, a paramedic, a gymnast and her coach have formed a service for hire. They stand in for dead people by appointment, hired by the relatives, friends or colleagues of the deceased in order for them to play out their grief, and express any unresolved feelings. The company is called Alps and their leader, the paramedic, calls himself Mont Blanc. Although members operate under a disciplined regime, as mandated by their leader, the nurse begins to stray from the strict and orderly process.

Building from his award-winning breakthrough film Dogtooth and returning with some regular collaborators, director Yorgos Lanthimos further cements his signature style. The actor's deadpan delivery, the play on language and detached, performative emotion richly build on the film's idiosyncratic world and its black streak sense of humour.

Winner of Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival 2011