Therese and Isabelle
Therese and Isabelle

Movie spotlight

Therese and Isabelle

1968
Movie
118 min
English

Two young girls experience awakening sexuality in the heated atmosphere of a Swiss girls' boarding school.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Radley MetzgerGenres: Drama, Romance, Erotica

Plot Summary

This film tells the story of a passionate lesbian affair between two young women, Thérèse and Isabelle, at a strict French boarding school. Their forbidden romance unfolds against a backdrop of societal repression and personal discovery. The intensity of their connection challenges the norms of their environment and leads to profound emotional consequences.

Critical Reception

Thérèse and Isabelle is recognized for its daring exploration of lesbian desire in the late 1960s, a time when such themes were rarely depicted explicitly on screen. While some critics at the time may have been shocked or dismissive, it has since been appreciated for its artistic merit and sensitive portrayal of a taboo relationship, becoming a cult classic within LGBTQ+ cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bold and artistic depiction of a same-sex relationship for its era.

  • Noted for strong performances by its lead actresses, particularly Ewa Aulin.

  • Considered a significant film in the history of erotic and LGBTQ+ cinema.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiment is not readily available for this older and more niche film.

Fun Fact

Director Radley Metzger was known for his aesthetically driven erotic films, often employing lush visuals and classical music to elevate his subject matter.

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