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Drama thriller

Lux Æterna (2022): Cast & Ratings

Lux Æterna (2022) movie poster

Lux Æterna is a 2022 drama thriller directed by Gaspar Noé, starring Béatrice Dalle as Béatrice Dalle, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Félix Maritaud. It runs 51 minutes. Critics gave it 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
64%
Echo Score
45
Metascore
59
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Lux Æterna (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
51 min
Director
Gaspar Noé
Genres
Drama , Thriller
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Lux Æterna About?

The premise of Lux Æterna without spoilers.

Director Béatrice Dalle and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg find themselves on a film set where the lines between reality and ancient myths blur. As they delve into a project exploring witchcraft, mounting technical difficulties and unsettling events begin to plague the production. Their artistic endeavor soon spirals into a disturbing and chaotic descent into madness, challenging their sanity and the nature of their work.

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Cast & crew

Lux Æterna Cast & Characters

Béatrice Dalle leads the cast as Béatrice Dalle, with Charlotte Gainsbourg as Charlotte Gainsbourg and Félix Maritaud as Félix. Directed by Gaspar Noé; 16 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Gaspar Noé

More films directed by Gaspar Noé, best-rated first: I Stand Alone, Enter the Void, Climax and Irreversible.

Full filmography
Ratings

Lux Æterna Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Lux Æterna 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 45/100, strongest in rewatch factor (55) and weakest in character & emotion (35).

45 /100

Lux Æterna Echo Score Breakdown

Lux Æterna presents a polarizing experiment that blends fashion advertising with avant‑garde filmmaking. Critics note its striking split‑screen visuals and neon‑infused lightshow, yet many describe the piece as more commercial than cinematic and question its narrative purpose. Viewer reactions echo this divide, highlighting both immersive, collage‑like moments and disorienting strobe effects that can be physically uncomfortable. The net impression is that the film offers a bold stylistic showcase but struggles to coalesce into a satisfying cinematic experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of art and craft, the film showcases ambitious split‑screen techniques and a vivid neon aesthetic that some reviewers find engaging. However, many critics and viewers label the visual approach as overly commercial or sensationalist, citing harsh lighting and a disorienting style. The mixed feedback on cinematography, design, and editing reflects both admiration for its daring execution and criticism for its lack of subtlety. Overall, the artistic execution is perceived as uneven.

  • Character & Emotion 35

    When evaluating character and emotion, the film offers limited depth, focusing more on conceptual spectacle than on nuanced performances. Critics describe the portrayals of frustrated women artists as one‑note and note a lack of substantive emotional resonance. Viewer comments similarly note an absence of compelling character arcs, with attention drawn instead to visual shock. Consequently, the character work is seen as underdeveloped and contributes little to audience engagement.

  • Story & Flow 40

    Regarding story and flow, Lux Æterna is framed as an experimental essay rather than a conventional narrative. Reviewers point out its fragmented structure, slow opening that accelerates later, and an overall sense of incompleteness. While some praise its originality, many cite a lack of coherent plot and unresolved themes, resulting in a viewing experience that feels more like a discussion piece than a satisfying story. The storytelling is thus regarded as mixed and often unsatisfying.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    In the sensory domain, the film delivers a potent visual and auditory palette, with neon lighting, split‑screen editing, and a pulsating soundtrack that immerse viewers. Yet, the same sensory intensity is criticized for inducing discomfort, including strobe‑induced headaches and overwhelming brightness. Some audience members describe it as an immersive collage, while others find it physically taxing. The consensus is that the sensory experience is vivid but divisive.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Assessing rewatch factor, the piece encourages repeated viewings to unpack its layered style and thematic references. Critics acknowledge its value for generating discussion and note that multiple viewings may reveal hidden nuances. Audience feedback varies; some anticipate future related works and find the film compelling enough for a second look, while others feel deterred by its demanding visual assault. Overall, the rewatch appeal is modest but present.

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FAQ

Lux Æterna FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Lux Æterna, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Lux Æterna?

Lux Æterna runs 51 minutes.

When was Lux Æterna released?

Lux Æterna was released on May 6, 2022.

Who directed Lux Æterna?

Lux Æterna was directed by Gaspar Noé.

More films by Gaspar Noé

Who is in the cast of Lux Æterna?

Lux Æterna stars Béatrice Dalle as Béatrice Dalle, Charlotte Gainsbourg as Charlotte Gainsbourg and Félix Maritaud as Félix, among 16 credited actors.

How is Lux Æterna rated?

Lux Æterna has 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic.

Does Lux Æterna have a post-credit scene?

No. Lux Æterna has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Lux Æterna in?

The original language of Lux Æterna is French.

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