The Painter and the Thief

The theft of two major paintings starts an improbable friendship. Using CCTV recordings, the artist victim tracks down the drug-addicted thief and confronts him in court. She asks him to pose for a portrait in lieu of compensation. While sitting for the artist, the thief talks about his unlucky life and she cares for him with breakfasts, hugs and just by listening. This doesn’t prevent his self-destructive behaviour landing him first in hospital and later in prison. However, the tables are turned when he is released.

Director Benjamin Ree’s emotional, yet unsentimental psychological double-portrait hops back and forth in time and between perspectives. The improbable duo prove intrinsic soulmates.

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