Jeune & jolie (Young & Beautiful)

Oops, just missed it! This film is no longer available on Netflix streaming or DVD. Mothers everywhere beware: Francois Ozon's Young and Beautiful (Jeune et Jolie) explores young Isabelle, a 17 year old with one foot still stuck in the door of childhood, who dives head first into a life of prostitution. The key idea here is that the decision is conscious and consentual.

Family life and socioeconomic status confusingly all in order, Isabelle (Marine Vacth) decides to take up a side gig as a call girl for a disturbingly substantial client list.

Perhaps the most relatable character is Isabelle's mother, Sylvie (Géraldine Pailhas), who try as she might, searches for answers just as fervidly as we do. Sylvie's husband Patrick adds a sort of comic relief and perceptibility, played by the expressive Frédéric Pierrot.

The question of whether the intention of filming a young goddess casually selling herself to a menu of the French male middle class is so simple and unresolved, it's profound and beautiful, or disappointing is solely up to you.

So get to watching, and decide for yourself.

Nicole Eicholtz
 

Revenir