Cannes 2026 Shocker: Did ‘Sanguine’ Outdo ‘The Substance’ in Festival Thrills?

At Charles Boyau Hospital, something is terribly amiss. Young intern Margot (Mara Taquin) steps into the emergency department only to find herself under the intense scrutiny of her superior (Karin Viard). Soon, Margot experiences a horrifying physical reaction: her body starts bleeding from every pore.

This visceral physical response is a direct result of a system that relentlessly burdens its young workers. Quickly, Margot learns that the bleeding is merely the precursor to a far more disturbing transformation…

With “Sanguine,” her first feature film, French screenwriter and director Marion Le Corroller tackles a timely and political subject: the impact of work on the mental and physical health of the youth. Performance targets, competition, self-sacrifice, and lack of appreciation—Le Corroller transforms these all-too-common realities into a terrifying cinematic journey.

Highlights from the standing ovation at the Midnight Screening:

This theme is the backbone of a well-crafted entertainment piece with a pop aesthetic and a soundtrack composed of electronic music by ROB. While it’s hard not to think of Julia Ducournau (“Raw”) and Coralie Fargeat (“The Substance”), Marion Le Corroller dives headfirst into her narrative. Inspired by her experiences in finance, Le Corroller fuels her story with personal insights.

As the plot develops, the film finds its way, complete with its share of unnerving scenes involving scabs, scars, skin peeling, burns, and body transformations—a true feast that may turn even the strongest stomachs. “Sanguine” marks a promising debut for Marion Le Corroller, who has already started writing her second genre film.

“Sanguine,” coming to theaters October 28th.