In Abdellatif Kechiche’s César-sweeping second feature, a group of foul-mouthed teens from the Paris banlieues act out their own romantic roundelay during a school production of Marivaux’s 18th-century comedy of manners Games of Love and Chance. Shy Krimo (Osman Elkharraz) loves sociable actress Lydia (Sara Forestier), but she has troubles of her own: fending off the jealous threats of a violent ex and the tough-love verbal jabs of an outspoken best friend. Kechiche gives a deft, nimble touch to the kids’ barbed exchanges, without ever letting us forget the social tensions and economic hardships threatening their fragile equilibrium.

Abdellatif Kechiche's new film Blue is the Warmest Color is screening in the Main Slate of the 51st New York Film Festival.