Vacuum

Amidst the preparations for her 35th wedding anniversary, Meredith is surprised by the discovery that she is HIV-positive. Utterly unprepared for this from the comfort of her settled and stable life, she is even more shocked by the realization that the virus must have come from her husband André. Thus begins an investigation of André’s transgressions, which include a habit of visiting prostitutes. Their marriage takes an instant hit, but at the same time Meredith has to balance her role as a victim with her responsibilities to her extended family. With an anniversary celebration still on the cards, how can the relationship survive?

It's rare to see on screen such a precise dissection of family life. A film brave enough to go to unspeakable depths while remaining admirably matter-of-fact in tone. This elegantly shot drama gives Barbara Auer a chance to shine in a nightmarish role, playing on some of our most common, collective fears.