This tour de force demonstrates forcefully why Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho is reputed to be the bestselling author in the world. All the events in The Winner Stands Alone transpire in a single day at the Cannes International Film Festival. Igor, an affluent Russian businessman with a terrifying history of violence, descends on this festive scene, intent on reuniting with his adulterous ex-wife or exacting revenge on her and her new lover. In the midst of this chaotic celebrity circus, he pursues his mission, darting through a motley cast of partiers and bit players. Mixing social satire and sheer panic, this fast-paced thriller drives to its breathtaking conclusion, leaving us amazed that the author of The Alchemist would also be capable of this.