Thomas Cailley's debut feature is an acerbic take on coming-of-age romance, an entertaining dramatic comedy about falling in love, and survival, French style.

In the sun-drenched summertime of southern France, Arnaud (Kévin Azaïs), is preparing for work as a woodcutter at his family business. Between hanging out with friends and working the lathe, his summer looks set to be a peaceful one. That is - until he runs into Madeleine (Adèle Haenel), as beautiful as she is brusque, a surly bulk of tensed muscles and doomsday prophecies. Obsessed with honing her survival skills she's developed some peculiar habits - from swimming with a weighted backpack, to eating raw puréed fish, to contemplating the end of the world. When Madeleine aims to join a two-week army boot camp, Arnaud, finding himself struck by a powerful attraction, decides to sign up with her despite her blatant disinterest in him. But as our young combatants start to learn to fend for themselves, they find their relationship becoming a kind of combustible combination of fierce grudge match and, ultimately, true love.

Featuring excellent verbal sparring between the young lovers, this expertly written gem is part screwball, part rom-com which deservedly won awards for both of its young leads at the 2015 Cesar awards.

• The evening screening of Les Combattants on Tue 23 June is part of our Cinébites deal: get a cinema ticket, veggie or meat Thai bites, and a drink (wine/beer or soft drink) for only £15.

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