Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.
Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.Holy MotorsA movie brief.
2012 / Surrealist fantasy drama / Directed by Leos Carax
A mysterious man navigates various roles and identities in Paris.
What is Holy Motors about?
A man, Mr. Oscar, appears to have a job as an actor, dressing up in different costumes and performing various roles in several locations around Paris. He has nine appointments that day, each with a different identity.
Five things to know.
Setup
The film opens with a man, Mr. Oscar, waking up in a hotel room with a secret door that leads to a movie theater full of sleeping patrons.
World
The story takes place in Paris, where Mr. Oscar navigates various locations, including streets, sound stages, and homes.
Pressure
Mr. Oscar seems to be experiencing some kind of crisis, as he admits to his driver that it's harder for him to perform his roles now that he can't see the cameras.
Craft
The film features a unique blend of surrealism, fantasy, and drama, with a focus on performance and identity.
Viewing note
The film's narrative is intentionally fragmented and open to interpretation, making it a challenging but rewarding viewing experience.
A thought to take with you.
Holy Motors is a mesmerizingly strange and willfully perverse film that offers an unforgettable visual feast alongside a spellbinding narrative.
Is it your kind of movie?
Fans of surrealist and experimental cinema may enjoy the film's unique blend of fantasy and drama. Viewers should expect a challenging but rewarding viewing experience with a focus on performance and identity.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked October 2, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach