Set in the 13th District of Paris, this romantic comedy portrays young adults seeking spiritual connection in the age of dating apps, online sex and free love. The film is based on American comic artist Adrian Tomine’s stories. Chinese telemarketer Émilie is looking for a female roommate, but when doctoral student Camille shows up at Émilie’s door, the fresh roommates end up in an intimate relationship. At the same time, Nora comes to Paris from the countryside enthused about her commencing law studies but soon confronts evil rumours within the student community.
Jacques Audiard is at home with various genres. After a series of successful thrillers (A Prophet), dramas (Rust and Bone), and westerns (The Sisters Brothers), he has created a fresh and sexy romantic comedy. The black-and-white cinematography brings a touch of elegance to the rough neighbourhood and accentuates the glistening of sweaty bodies. The encounters and nightly adventures are depicted tastefully, stimulating just the right senses.
The modern touch is also thanks to one of the film’s screenwriters, Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire), who is one of the most interesting contemporary directors. The classical genre is updated to the 2020s, with the spectrum of sexuality and the gallery of characters commendably broad. A lovely addition to the colourful continuum of the genre! (Otto Kylmälä)