Elle, a French drama about a vicious rape and its unexpected aftermath, has been acclaimed by critics while condemned by film-goers worldwide. Stylist explores the film’s complexities and speaks to lead actress Isabelle Huppert about the controversy

It’s a film that enjoyed a seven-minute standing ovation after it debuted at Cannes in May 2016, collected two Golden Globes in January and whose lead actress was nominated for an Oscar soon after. It has been revered by influential industry bibles such as Variety, and The New York Times’ film critic described it as “a masterpiece of suave perversity”. This would all suggest that Elle is a must-see – and yet the controversy the film has provoked among viewers (Stylist staffers included, one of whom chose to stop watching after 20 minutes) points at deeper issues. Is it an artistic triumph that challenges conventional attitudes to consent? A disgusting rape fantasy? Or an intriguing combination of the two? Should you spend 130 minutes of your time watching the most divisive film of 2017?

Twenty-nine years since award-winning film The Accused broke new ground in exploring society’s attitudes to rape and victim blaming, popular culture has struggled to address sexual assault in a sensitive yet realistic manner. Some TV shows – Poldark, Game Of Thrones – have come under fire for their portrayal, while more recently, Apple Tree Yard and Broadchurch have been applauded for their sensitivity and focus on the effects of rape rather than the act itself. Now comes Elle and the debate of whether it adds anything valuable to the canon or indeed, is little more than gratuitous sexual violence.

Opening with the violent rape of wealthy Parisian Michèle Leblanc (played by Isabelle Huppert) by a masked intruder, the film combines a challenging plot, confronting personalities and moments of outrageous black humour as it follows the unusual relationship that develops between Leblanc and her rapist after she discovers his identity and becomes attracted to him. It throws up confronting questions around consent and sexual role-play, as well as the idea of what society expects from a sexual assault victim.

Should you see 2017's most controversial film? Stylist speaks to Isabelle Huppert about her role in Elle