The Fire Within (1963)

In the throes of deep despair, Alain Leroy, a man in his early 30s, grapples with an unbearable existence amplified by his struggles with alcohol. His estranged wife, residing in New York, funds his recovery in a clinic nestled in Versailles, hoping for a life-altering transformation. A woman from Alain's past, appointed as an envoy by his wife, visits him at the clinic, observing only the superficial veneer of his progress. Encased in clinical walls, Alain feels the oppressive weight of his solitude. His attending doctor, oblivious to the depth of his torment, insists it's time for him to rejoin the world beyond the clinic. Tossed back into the whirl of Parisian life, Alain reconnects with the specters of his past over a lunch meeting and a casual rendezvous at a cafe. As the day wanes, he finds himself invited to a dinner party, each interaction subtly exacerbating his distress rather than easing it. Haunted by his demons and failed by the fleeting comfort of old acquaintances, Alain stands on the precipice of a profound decision. Will he forge a connection potent enough to rekindle his will to live? Or will he succumb to the overwhelming desire to extinguish the fire within? This gripping narrative explores the intricate labyrinth of Alain's mind as he navigates the tumultuous seas of despair and the elusive shores of salvation.

The Fire Within is a drama movie featuring Maurice Ronet and directed by Louis Malle.

The Fire Within is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Fire Within on Apple TV.