Overview

• The adaptation premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival and drew a reported seven‑minute ovation.
• Reviewers note a largely faithful approach that foregrounds the 1930s Algerian context, including an archival prologue and naming the murdered Algerian.
• Benjamin Voisin’s restrained turn as Meursault is widely singled out, with plaudits for Manuel Dacosse’s monochrome cinematography and Fatima Al Qadiri’s score.
• Some critics describe the film as slow or overly drawn out compared with Camus’ concise novella.
• Ozon said the black‑and‑white format was an artistic choice and a cost saver, as Gaumont handles sales while U.S. distribution is still being sought and French awards‑submission chatter circulates.