Beloved

Charismatic director Esteban (Javier Bardem) is a legend whose reputation rests equally on his films' success and stories of his professional and romantic escapades. After several years, he returns to his native Spain to shoot a new film in the desert of the island of Fuerteventura.

The creative process is complicated by harsh conditions and Esteban's directorial approach, which doesn't quite fit today's standards. The most delicate circumstance, however, is that he has entrusted the lead role to his estranged daughter Emilia - and their time together on set may heal old wounds just as easily as it may pour salt into them.

Javier Bardem made a triumphant return to Cannes with this role - in what critics have called his strongest performance in recent years.