I, Anna Trailer (2012)

Debut filmmaker Barnaby Southcombe gives us a noir thriller with a twist: an American story transplanted to an English setting with European sensibilities. With a strong, older female lead, played by the always magnetic Charlotte Rampling, this film both conforms to and subverts the stereotypes of its genre. Adapted from Elsa Lewin's 1984 novel of the same name, the film follows Anna (Rampling), a divorcée who reluctantly attends a speed-dating evening, only to find herself embroiled in a murder mystery. Enter attractive insomniac chief detective Bernie (Gabriel Byrne) whose chemistry with Anna is instantaneous. Part psychological thriller, part mature love story, the film's strong noir credentials are brought out by its moody London setting and Rampling's excellent femme fatale performance; while the influence of French New Wave filmmakers Jean-Pierre Melville and Claude Sautet can also be felt throughout.