In some of the first news out of the Cannes Film Festival, which begins today, Sony Pictures Classics has bought the North American rights to Paul Verhoeven’s psychological thriller “Elle,” Variety has reported.

The purchase was made ahead of the film’s premiere at the festival. It stars Isabelle Huppert as “a powerful, ruthless business woman who survives an assault in her home. Consumed with the need for revenge, she takes it upon herself to track down her assailant,” as Variety described.

“This thriller is Paul Verhoeven at his very best and Isabelle Huppert gives the performance of a lifetime. ‘Elle’ promises to be a hit with audiences this fall. We are pleased to be working again with Paul, Isabelle and Saïd,” said Sony Pictures Classics.

Huppert was most recently seen in “Louder Than Bombs.”