Misericordia is a 2024 French thriller film directed by Alain Guiraudie. Featuring a gripping storyline, the film stars Félix Kysyl and Catherine Frot in leading roles. It premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, and was released in French theaters on October 16, 2024. Produced by CG Cinéma in collaboration with Scala Films, Arte France Cinéma, Andergraun Films (Spain), and Rosa Filmes (Portugal), the movie gained critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Louis Delluc Prize and earning eight nominations at the 50th César Awards. In this article, we explore the breathtaking Misericordia filming locations that brought the film’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere to life.
Where Was Misericordia Filmed?
Misericordia was filmed in France and Italy, primarily in the Aveyron region, where the village of Sauclières stood in for the fictional Saint-Martial. Other French locations included Millau, Nant, Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, Dourbie Gorges, Mont Aigoual Forest, and Suquet Ridge. In Italy, filming took place in Palermo, Trapani, Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, Punta Tipa, Casa Santa, and Lungomare Dante Alighieri. Here are the filming locations in detail:
Sauclières, Aveyron, France
Sauclières, a picturesque village in the Aveyron region, served as the main filming location, standing in for the fictional town of Saint-Martial. The village’s stone houses, narrow streets, and traditional countryside charm perfectly match the film’s dark and intense themes.
The director, Alain Guiraudie, mentioned in an interview, “Sauclières gave us the perfect isolated, rustic setting we needed to bring Saint-Martial to life.” This quiet village has now gained attention as a must-visit spot for fans of the movie.
Millau, Aveyron, France
Millau, a larger town in Aveyron, was used for several key scenes, including the car park where Jérémie leaves Vincent’s car. Known for the iconic Millau Viaduct, the town provides a striking contrast to the smaller, secluded locations used in the film. Millau has also been featured in other films and travel documentaries due to its scenic landscapes and rich history.
Nant and Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, Aveyron, France
The production team also shot scenes in the nearby villages of Nant and Saint-Jean-du-Bruel. These locations contributed to the film’s eerie and isolated feel, reinforcing the sense of secrecy and tension in the story. “The beauty and quietness of these villages make them ideal for a thriller where isolation plays a key role,” said cinematographer Claire Mathon.
Dourbie Gorges, France
The Dourbie Gorges, with their deep valleys and rocky cliffs, were used for breathtaking outdoor shots. The dramatic landscape of this canyon-like area adds an element of danger and mystery to the film’s setting. The Dourbie Gorges have also been featured in several nature documentaries and adventure films due to their stunning scenery.
Mont Aigoual Forest and Suquet Ridge, France
Several suspenseful sequences were filmed in the dense Mont Aigoual Forest and along Suquet Ridge. The towering trees and rugged terrain provided an ominous and unsettling atmosphere, perfectly complementing the film’s dark themes. These locations are part of the Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making them historically and ecologically significant.
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
A portion of the film was shot in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city’s old streets and historical buildings provided a striking backdrop for some of the film’s more intense moments. Palermo has been a favorite filming destination for international films, including The Godfather Part III and Ocean’s Twelve.
Trapani, Sicily, Italy
Trapani, a coastal town in Sicily, was another key filming location. The Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, with its rugged cliffs and dramatic sea views, added an extra layer of tension to the film’s visuals. The scenic beauty of Trapani has made it a popular destination for filmmakers looking to capture Sicily’s natural charm.
Punta Tipa and Casa Santa, Trapani, Italy
Additional scenes were filmed at Punta Tipa and in the Casa Santa area, particularly on San Giuliano beach. These locations were chosen for their isolated and visually striking landscapes, enhancing the film’s moody and suspenseful aesthetic.
Lungomare Dante Alighieri, Trapani, Italy
Finally, the production team utilized the scenic Lungomare Dante Alighieri, a seaside promenade in Trapani. The beautiful yet haunting coastal views provided the perfect setting for some of the film’s key sequences.
When Did the Filming of Misericordia Take Place?
Principal photography for Misericordia began on October 30, 2023, and wrapped up on December 15, 2023. The film’s cinematography was handled by Claire Mathon, known for her visually stunning work in Stranger by the Lake (2013) and Staying Vertical (2016).
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Misericordia Plot Summary
Misericordia (or Miséricorde in French) is a 2024 thriller that hooks you with a dark, twisty story set in a quiet French village. It follows Jérémie (Félix Kysyl), a young guy who heads back to his hometown of Saint-Martial for the funeral of his old boss, a baker who was like a father figure to him. The baker’s widow, Martine (Catherine Frot), invites Jérémie to stick around at her place, which seems nice enough—until her son Vincent (Jean-Baptiste Durand) starts giving off jealous vibes. Things get messy fast when a heated argument between Jérémie and Vincent ends with Jérémie accidentally killing him. Panicked, Jérémie decides to hide the body and cover up the crime.
Here’s where it gets wild: the local priest (Jacques Develay) catches wind of what happened and offers to back up Jérémie’s alibi. But there’s a catch—the priest wants something personal in return, hinting at some creepy, unspoken desires. Meanwhile, Martine starts acting odd, almost like she’s onto Jérémie, and the whole village feels like it’s closing in. As Jérémie scrambles to keep his secret, the movie throws in a mix of dark humor and uneasy tension that keeps you guessing.
Guiraudie doesn’t let the story settle into one vibe—it’s part thriller, part awkward comedy, and part slow-burn drama. The rural setting adds a layer of isolation, making Jérémie’s guilt and paranoia pop. By the end, Misericordia leaves you thinking about morality, hidden wants, and how far people will go to protect themselves—or each other.
Behind the Scenes of “Misericordia” Film
Making Misericordia was a homecoming for director Alain Guiraudie, who brought this twisted tale to life in his native Occitanie region in southern France. Filming took place in the rugged, rural landscapes of Aveyron, near Millau and the Dourbie Valley, where the sleepy fictional village of Saint-Martial came alive. Guiraudie picked these spots not just for their beauty—think autumnal forests and misty gorges—but because they vibe with his style of blending the everyday with the eerie. The crew shot in real villages like Sauclières, keeping things raw and authentic, with cinematographer Claire Mathon (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) capturing the moody, earthy tones that make the film feel both grounded and unsettling.
Guiraudie, who also wrote the script, drew inspiration from his 2021 novel Rabalaïre, but he didn’t just copy-paste. He trimmed it down, letting the story evolve as he worked with his cast. Speaking of which, casting was a mix of instinct and discovery. Félix Kysyl (Jérémie) wasn’t a lock from the start—Guiraudie gave his casting director a loose brief, then shaped the character around Kysyl’s quiet intensity once he was on board. Catherine Frot, a French cinema legend, jumped at the chance to play Martine, her first time in Guiraudie’s quirky world. The wildcard? Jean-Baptiste Durand, who plays Vincent, is also a director himself (Junkyard Dog), bringing a fresh energy to the set.
Filming wasn’t all smooth sailing—the team dealt with unpredictable weather, which Mathon turned into a strength, soaking the screen in rain and fog. Guiraudie kept things lean, cutting extras and focusing on tight, tense scenes. He’s said this one’s less wild than his past works like Stranger by the Lake, but the dark humor and sneaky thrills? That’s pure Guiraudie, brewed up in the backwoods of France.
Misericordia Cast Details
- Félix Kysyl as Jérémie Pastor
- Catherine Frot as Martine
- Jacques Develay as Priest
- Jean-Baptiste Durand as Vincent
- David Ayala as Walter
- Sébastien Faglain as Gendarme
- Tatiana Spivakova as Annie
- Salomé Lopes as Young Colleague
- Serge Richard as Jean-Pierre
- Elio Lunetta as Kilian
Misericordia (2024) Official Trailer
If you haven’t seen the official trailer of Misericordia yet, you can watch it here:
If you love films with atmospheric settings, Misericordia is a must-watch!
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