Movie spotlight
The dawn of the 20th century: L’Apollonide, a luxurious and traditional brothel in Paris, is living its last days. In this closed world, where some men fall in love and others become viciously harmful, the women share their secrets, their fears, their joys and their pains.
A young woman, overwhelmed by the sudden death of her partner, finds herself navigating single motherhood and the complexities of life. She seeks solace and connection in the Parisian nightlife, encountering a series of characters who help her confront her grief and rediscover herself. The film blends humor and pathos as she attempts to rebuild her life piece by piece.
House of Pleasures received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its unique blend of humor and emotional depth. The film was noted for its refreshing take on grief and motherhood, and Valerie Donzelli's performance as both director and lead actress was widely commended. While some found its narrative style unconventional, many appreciated its honesty and artistic vision.
Praised for its charmingly unconventional approach to grief and single motherhood.
Valerie Donzelli's dual role as director and star is a significant strength, bringing authenticity to the lead character.
The film successfully balances lighthearted moments with profound emotional weight.
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Nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film (France).
The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing inspiration from director Valerie Donzelli's own experiences.
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Though utterly depressing pretty much from start to finish, this is still a compelling film to watch as we follow a group of girls who are caught up in the most vicious of circles. They all work for "Madame Marie-France" (Noémie Lvovsky) in...