Cédric Kahn's new film "A Place to Heal", known internationally as "15/18", is a vérité-style drama set in a French adolescent psychiatric ward, led by a largely first-time young cast. The French writer-director, whose recent work includes "The Goldman Case" and "Making Of", returns to the unfussy, humane style of his 2017 film "The Prayer", relying on the raw spontaneity of his young ensemble rather than stylistic flourish. The film premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival, Kahn's first berth at a major European festival since 2018, a placement likely to raise its profile ahead of specialist theatrical or arthouse streaming distribution.

The story centres on 17-year-old Lucia, played by Malou Khebizi, a recurring patient readmitted after a suicide attempt, and her friend Eloïse, a longtime resident also struggling with suicidal thoughts. The film, co-written with Kahina Le Querrec and based on extensive first-hand observation of real psychiatric wards (though fictionalised), also focuses on staff including head psychiatrist Etienne, played by Kahn himself, and a new intern who acts as an audience surrogate amid the ward's volatility. Critics note the film recalls Laurent Cantet's "The Class" and the Dardenne brothers' work, before a final act swerves towards more romanticised fiction, a choice reviewers say may divide audiences but adds an affecting, distinctive note.