Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Film 'Auction' Explores Art, Ethics, and Class Struggles

10/30/2025

32 4

Summary

Story summary

Auction, a French film by Pascal Bonitzer, follows Egon Schiele's Wilted Sunflowers in the art market.
The film is set in Mulhouse, and André, an auctioneer, navigates selling the painting with a WWII-tied history.
The painting is first discovered by Martin, a factory worker, raising ethics and social-class questions.
Critics say the premise is engaging but the film lacks conflict and depth.
Auction opens in theaters on October 29, 2025.

1 of 1

Story summary

Auction, a French film by Pascal Bonitzer, follows Egon Schiele's Wilted Sunflowers in the art market.
The film is set in Mulhouse, and André, an auctioneer, navigates selling the painting with a WWII-tied history.
The painting is first discovered by Martin, a factory worker, raising ethics and social-class questions.
Critics say the premise is engaging but the film lacks conflict and depth.
Auction opens in theaters on October 29, 2025.