Cold Water (film)

Cold Water (original French title: L'eau froide) is a 1994 French coming-of-age drama film directed by Olivier Assayas. The film is partially autobiographical, drawing inspiration from Assayas's own adolescence in the 1970s. It stars Virginie Ledoyen and Cyprien Fouquet as two troubled teenagers, Christine and Gilles, navigating the complexities of adolescence, societal pressures, and parental relationships.

The film depicts their escape from juvenile detention, their involvement in petty crime, and their developing relationship amidst a backdrop of social unrest and cultural shifts in France. A significant portion of the film revolves around a lengthy party scene, considered a centerpiece showcasing the atmosphere of the era and the characters' emotional states. Cold Water explores themes of youthful rebellion, alienation, the search for identity, and the clash between generations. It is notable for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its use of a soundtrack featuring iconic rock music from the 1970s.