This visually ravishing first feature by Marina Francen is set in a remote French mountain village in 1852. When Napoleon III’s army overthrows the republican government, the town’s women witness all their men being arrested and removed. Their absence will affect not only the harvest, but also the prospects of marriage or procreation for young Violette (Pauline Burlet) and her friends. They make a secret pact to share the first man who passes through. When a mysterious young man (Alban Lenoir) shows up and courts Violette, she is reminded of her promise. Exquisite images of nature highlight this strange and seductive tale. With Géraldine Pailhas. In French with English subtitles. Writers: Marine Francen, Jacqueline Surchat, Jacques Fieschi. Director: Marine Francen. (France 2017) 98 min.