A Sensual Odyssey Sets the Screen Ablaze

Emmanuelle

Dir. Audrey Diwan. France. 2024. 105mins

A paralysing pointless punch-up of the French 1970s soft-porn franchise, Emmanuelle sees Venice Golden Lion winner Audrey Diwan take an all-expenses-paid trip to seven-star Hong Kong luxury where hotel inspector Emmanuelle (Noème Merlant) will attempt to lose some of her ‘stiffness’ by getting it on with staff and guests alike. There’s scant sex in Emmanuelle, though, (which was the entire point of the French novel/films) and enough risible English-language dialogue to keep drag queen brunches supplied with material for years to come — if they can make it through the 105-minute running time and a zero-stakes premise.

The Review

Emmanuelle and the Luxury of Being a Woman

The film Emmanuelle follows Emmanuelle, a backless-dress-wearing hotel inspector, as she inspects the luxurious Rosefield Palace Hotel in Hong Kong. She’s sent to Hong Kong, where she meets Kei (Will Sharpe), a man with a mysterious past, and begins to question her own values and desires. The two of them have a complex relationship, with a focus on the power dynamics and intimacy.

The film is directed by Audrey Diwan, who won the Venice Golden Lion for her previous film, "Happening". Diwan is known for her nuanced and thought-provoking filmmaking, and her latest film promises to be just as powerful. With a star-studded cast, including Merlant and Sharpe, this film is sure to be a must-see for fans of French New Wave cinema.

Conclusion

Overall, Emmanuelle is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores themes of identity, power, and desire. With its complex characters and intricate plot, this film is sure to leave audiences talking long after the credits roll. See it at the San Sebastián Film Festival, opening in September.

FAQs

• When is the release date of Emmanuelle?
  • The release date is 2024.
• Who are the main cast members?
  • Noemie Merlant, Will Sharpe, Naomi Watts, Jamie Campbell Bower, Chacha Huang, and Anthony Wong.
• Who directed Emmanuelle?
  • Audrey Diwan.
• What is the runtime of the film?
  • 105 minutes.
• Who are the production companies involved?
  • Chantelouve, Rectangle Productions, and Goodfellas.