Winner of 16 film festival audience awards, “Farewell, Mr, Haffmann” started screening Friday, Dec. 22, at Movies of Delray and Movies of Lake Worth.

Adapted from Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s stage play, director and co-writer Fred Cavayé (“The Next 3 Days,” “Point Blank,” “Anything for Her”) crafts a story that portrays the best and worst in mankind. Said Cavayé: “Lots of movies are about the heroes, the Resistance, but they rarely depict collaborators.” Featuring an all-star cast, “Farewell, Mr. Haffmann” has twists and turns to the very end.

Courtesy of Menemsha Films

Gilles Lellouche as François Mercier in “Farewell, Mr. Haffmann.” (Menemsha Films/Courtesy)

“‘Farewell, Mr. Haffmann’ is one of this year’s must-see gems that seamlessly weaves together suspense, emotion and historical depth. Daniel Auteuil’s impeccable performance, the film’s gripping plot twists and its poignant exploration of morality will leave audiences both captivated and contemplative long after the credits roll,” said Igor Shteyrenberg, executive director of the Miami Jewish Film Festival, which hosted the Southeast U.S. premiere of the film.

The film takes place in 1941 Occupied Paris, as all members of the Jewish community are instructed to come forward and identify themselves to authorities. Jeweler Joseph Haffmann (Auteuil), fearing the worst, arranges for his family to flee the city and offers his employee François Mercier (Gilles Lellouche) the chance to take over his store until the conflict subsides. But his own attempts to escape are thwarted, and Haffmann is forced to seek his assistant’s protection.

It’s a risky proposition for both men and one that Mercier’s wife Blanche (Sara Giraudeau) is skeptical of. As the couple move into the Haffmann home, the agreement turns into a Faustian bargain that will change the fate of all.

“In an unmissable display of mounting intensity and a captivating dose of irony, ‘Farewell, Mr. Haffmann’ stands as a powerful first-rate drama,” said Lisa Barash, director of the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival. “I highly recommend this captivating film to all.”

Theater locations:

  • Movies of Delray, 7421 W Atlantic Ave.
  • Movies of Lake Worth, 7380 Lake Worth Road

Tickets for both locations are available at moviesofdelray.com.