Emmanuelle: A Cinematic Exploration of Female Sexuality Gone Awry
Cast Overview
Starring: Noémie Merlant, Naomi Watts, Will Sharpe
Directed by:
Audrey Diwan
Star Rating:
★★
Following the acclaim of her powerful film Happening, which clinched the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2023, expectations were incredibly high for Audrey Diwan’s latest film Emmanuelle. Unfortunately, this ambitious yet ultimately empty reimagining of the iconic erotic French novel falls tragically short of its promising potential.
Unearthing the Premise
At the heart of Emmanuelle is Noémie Merlant, who brings her talents to life as a luxury hotel inspector with an insatiable curiosity. She aims to uncover the stories behind the luxurious veneer of the Rosefield Palace, and more specifically, the enigmatic hotel manager Margot (played by Naomi Watts). Into this world walks Kei (Will Sharpe), a puzzling character who speaks in riddles and adages like a seasoned traveler navigating the elite hotel scene.
Yet, for a film that aspires to delve into the profound themes of female sexuality and agency, it plays frustratingly safe. Emmanuelle’s character is delivered without a backstory, her emotions seemingly obscured behind close-ups and an enigmatic gaze that neither she nor the audience can seem to decode.
The Talent Talented Yet Stifled
Though Merlant shines with her chic pixie cut and glamorous styling, she often appears overshadowed by the film’s hollow narrative. Naomi Watts’ character, Margot, is little more than a stereotype requiring a questionable British accent, while Sharpe’s bewildering FIT (Frequent International Traveler) persona feels like an out-of-place character sketch.
A Weak Screenplay and Uninspired Dialogue
The screenplay, co-written by Diwan and Rebecca Zlotowski, lacks crucial depth. The absence of character development leaves the audience with little more than a sequence of luxurious hotel shots and half-baked dialogue bereft of any real connection. In fact, the conversations often feel as though they were plucked from a script lacking context, contributing to the film’s overall feeling of emptiness.
Emailifying Underlying Themes?
Despite its pretensions toward exploring sexuality and autonomy, Emmanuelle is perplexing in its focus. The film’s attempt at subtext is rendered moot when Diwan’s revisionist storytelling fails to clarify what it truly means for a female character to exercise agency. Instead, viewers are subjected to lavish footage of hotel interiors, stunning culinary arrangements, and dialogue that meanders aimlessly without emotional weight.
Strangely inert and predictably safe, Emmanuelle forgoes the kind of creative chaos that might have spurred intrigue. In sacrificing emotional resonance for visual style, it becomes a film that, instead of exuding passion, feels void of any visceral experience.
For those keen to indulge in immersive visuals without substantial substance, Emmanuelle is currently available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. However, the experience may leave viewers yearning for real depth and emotional engagement.
