In Francois Ozon s absorbing and affecting drama, Charlotte Rampling gives one of the best performances of her career as Marie, a college lecturer who has been happily married to Jean for over 25 years. Whilst on holiday, they visit a deserted beach where Marie lazes in the sun while Jean sets out for a swim - from which he never returns. Some time later in Paris, Marie has resumed her life but refuses to accept that Jean has drowned, continuing to think of him in the present tense and resisting her friends well meaning attempts to interest her in other men. Ozon s most mature film to date, Under the Sand is dominated by Rampling s astonishing and moving portrayal.