Elles
Director: Malgorzata Szumowska
Actors: Juliette Binoche, Anaïs Demoustier, Joanna Kulig
PlotA Parisian journalist, Anne, is assigned to write an investigative article about female university students who finance their studies through prostitution. As Anne delves into the world of two young women, Alicja and Charlotte, she is confronted with stories and realities that challenge her preconceptions about sex work. Their experiences reveal a complex mix of autonomy, vulnerability, and economic necessity, which force Anne to reflect on her own life and societal norms. Meetings with Alicja, who is from Poland and is dealing with her own set of challenges, and Charlotte, a native Parisian student, become eye-opening for Anne.
While balancing her own demanding career and chaotic family life, Anne gradually finds herself emotionally drawn into the lives of these young women. Their candid revelations about their clients and personal struggles blur the lines between professional detachment and personal involvement for Anne. As she juggles her role as a mother, wife, and journalist, Anne begins to question the choices and sacrifices she has made and the underlying truths of the world she thought she understood. The complexities and intimate nature of Anne’s interactions with Alicja and Charlotte bring about a profound self-examination, leading her to confront issues within her own life and relationships.
Writers: Tine Byrckel, Malgorzata Szumowska
Release Date: 01 Feb 2012
Runtime: 99 min
Rating: NC-17
Country: France, Poland, Germany
Language: French, English, Polish
Home Video Reviews
Elles features a compelling performance by Juliette Binoche, with strong audio and video quality, but is undermined by lack of special features, making it more suited for a rental.
Read our review of Elles Blu-ray to find out more