Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila (2016): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2016, Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila is a drama film, running about 135 minutes. “Opera in three acts and four scenes (1877)” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Lightning streaks through the skies as Dalila declares her love to Samson in one of the finest arias of romantic opera. “My heart awakens to your voice like a flower to the kiss of dawn.” An enchanting yet treacherous beauty… When the thunder at last rumbles, Dalila betrays Samson and offers him up to his enemies: “Come up, for this time he has shown me all his heart”, she whispers to them in the night (The Old Testament, Book of Judges). Based on a violent and erotic biblical story, Saint-Saëns’s opera – composed in 1877, much to Liszt’s insistence – would not be performed at the Palais Garnier until fifteen years later. This first Parisian performance in 1892 included the hitherto unperformed “Dance Of The Priestesses”. Nevertheless, it became one of the most performed French operas in the world, together with Faust and Carmen. Conducted by Philippe Jordan, this new production brings back a repertoire masterpiece that has not been performed at the Paris Opera for twenty-five years.

Who’s in it. Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila stars Anita Rachvelishvili as Dalila, Aleksandrs Antonenko as Samson, Egils Silins as The Great Priest of Dagon and Nicolas Testé as Abimélech, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila page.

If you liked it. Fans of Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.