Delphine Gleize’s delicate drama depicts the moving relationship between a teenager and his doctor. Romain is an everyday teenager—girl-crazy, soccer-loving, with a mop of unruly hair. But he also has a rare and severe susceptibility to UV rays, so he is unable to expose his skin to sunlight. David, an expert in the disorder, has been treating him since infancy and they have great rapport together, but has just received a long-overdue position in another city. When Romain finds out about David’s departure, their unique bond ruptures. Foregrounding the friendship over the disease, The Moon Child is knowing and touching, featuring powerful performances by newcomer Quentin Challal and veterans Vincent Lindon and Emmanuelle Devos.

North American Premiere. La permission de minuit, France 2010, 107 min. Written by Delphine Gleize. Photographed by Crystel Fournier. With Vincent Lindon, Quentin Challal, Emmanuelle Devos. Wild Bunch.