Directed by Cedric Kahn. Starring Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Carole Bouquet, Vincent Deniard, Charline Paul, Jean-Pierre Gos.

THIS provocative - and very French - road movie journeys to the heart of a marriage crisis.

Several dramatic detours form the basis of a compelling plot as we get to know the complex, hard drinking Antoine (Darroussin) and workaholic wife Helene (Bouquet) - for whom resentment and recrimination seem no strangers.

What love remains is tested to the limit within the heightened reality of a Georges Simenon plot that will either bring the couple closer together or tear them apart forever.

With a keen attention to detail, the film conveys much while apparently saying little, evoking classic European suspense tales even while in the realm of melodrama.

It also features a masterfully understated performance from Darroussin, in what is an unassuming but highly absorbing film.

Showing at The Cornerhouse until Thursday, October 7.