Little Joe

Alice, a single mother and senior botanist at a corporation that develops new flower species, develops a crimson flower with unique psychotherapeutic benefits: if grown in ideal conditions, it releases an ingredient into the air that can make its owner feel happy and satisfied. Contrary to corporate policy, she gives one flower plant to her teenaged son as a gift. But the larger it grows, the less innocent it becomes. In her first English-language film, Jessica Hausner, a leading force in Austrian cinema, explores humankind’s attempt to control the laws of nature. In collaboration with cinematographer Martin Gschlacht, she creates a magnificent visual world, teeming with vibrant images. Emily Beecham won the Best Actress Award at Cannes for her performance in the lead role.