Empowerment on the Parisian Stage

Read Time:3 Minute, 52 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
My Sole Desire (À mon seul désir)
(adult content) –

Genre: Drama, Romance
Year Released: 2022, 2024
Runtime: 1h 57m
Director(s): Lucie Borleteau
Writer(s): Lucie Borleteau, Clara Bourreau, Laure Giappiconi
Cast: Zita Hanrot, Louise Chevillote, Laure Giappiconi, Pedro Casablanc
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiering via VOD & Digital on February 9, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Take a step into the nightlife on the well-worn Parisian paths; MY SOLE DESIRE introduces us to a world where shadows and light mirror the dance of seduction and liberation of the film's protagonists. At its core, this is a journey through the eyes of Manon (Louise Chevillotte) into a world where performance speaks louder than words and becomes a gateway to freedom. From the onset, we're whisked away into a narrative as rich in character dynamics as it is in visual splendor, setting a high bar for what's to follow.

Chevillotte and Zita Hanrot as Mia deliver performances that pulse with life, embodying a complex relationship against the backdrop of a strip club from a perspective unlike before. Their evolving bond sheds light on the nuanced themes of autonomy and desire, painting a picture of empowerment that refuses to be defined by societal chains. Lucie Borleteau, the visionary director, steers these themes with a compassionate and caring hand, creating a narrative as engaging as it is interesting.

Borleteau's directorial hand elevates MY SOLE DESIRE, weaving a narrative that serves as a microcosm for broader societal debates. Her storytelling is a masterclass blending the personal with the universal, backed by a screenplay that delves deep into the fabric of human emotions. The depth of the film's story is matched by the visual storytelling, where Alexis Kavyrchine's cinematography and Rebeka Warrior's bold soundtrack merge to create an atmosphere as edgy as it is ethereal.

MY SOLE DESIRE doesn't shy away from exploring the industry's darker facets, offering a critical gaze that challenges the audience to find beauty in the most unexpected places. The film opens up a dialogue on the essence of human connection and the liberating power of love, urging viewers to peer beyond the velvet curtains. This isn’t the club life that you’re used to seeing on screen; this is a raw and candid look into what sex workers endure and what drives them to do so.

Moments throughout the film feel almost like we’re watching a documentary, exploring the lives of those shown on screen. I don’t know if there’s a more enriching compliment that I can give to a film than to compare it to the gaze of a documentary. I believe so much of this is thanks to Borleteau telling a story about the journey of these women who happen to work at a club instead of people who work at a club and try to stuff in a side plot about their lives.

MY SOLE DESIRE stands out as a journey that marries the tangible with the intangible, shedding light on the complex tapestry of life's experiences. Borleteau's film celebrates the human spirit's resilience through the lens of a woman, encouraging a deeper dive into the interactions between the seen and the unseen. It's a film that captivates the eye and stirs the soul, offering a richly rewarding experience that champions the myriad ways love and freedom find expression in the human heart.

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[photo courtesy of OMNIBUS ENTERTAINMENT]

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