Navigating the complexities of love in ‘Three Friends’
Exploring the nuances of modern relationships
“Any couple in love should remember that love might not last,” a character muses in the middle of Three Friends, brushing off a rejected kiss with a remarkable sense of calm. If everyone approached love with such nonchalance, many romantic stories would lose their essence. Emmanuel Mouret’s Three Friends delves into the intricate web of love, infidelity, and emotional entanglements among three friends in Lyon, offering a mature yet light-hearted take on the subject.
A familiar yet refreshing narrative
Mouret has been crafting variations of this theme since his debut with Laissons Lucie faire! in 2000. While he occasionally ventures into different genres, such as the period piece Lady J in 2018, his forte remains contemporary relationship dramas. Despite his significant presence in French cinema, with Love Affair(s) earning 13 César nominations in 2020, Mouret’s work has only sporadically reached international audiences. Three Friends, with its Venice competition berth, might elevate his profile, even though it doesn’t stray far from his usual thematic territory.
A nod to cinematic influences
The film’s influences are evident from the opening credits: jazz piano, a black screen, and centered white titles reminiscent of Woody Allen’s style. This homage is not surprising, given the mutual admiration between French and American filmmakers. The film’s structure, revolving around a trio of women and narrated by a secondary male character, draws superficial comparisons to Hannah and Her Sisters. However, Mouret’s approach is more about moving his characters around with finesse rather than delving deeply into their psyches.
The tangled lives of three friends
Our narrator, Victor (played by Vincent Macaigne), is the devoted husband of high-school English teacher Joan (India Hair). Joan, feeling suffocated by Victor’s unwavering affection, confides in her best friend Alice (Camille Cottin) about her waning love. Alice, in turn, reveals her own dispassionate view of her marriage to Eric (Grégoire Ludig), suggesting that it’s normal to be married but not in love. Unbeknownst to Alice, Eric is having an affair with their mutual friend Rebecca (Sara Forestier), who often shares her frustrations without revealing names.
Joan’s confession to Victor leads to a series of emotional upheavals, from acceptance to denial to anguish. As Joan begins to explore a potential new relationship with her colleague Thomas (Damien Bonnard), Alice’s own emotional composure starts to crack when she dabbles in infidelity.
A snapshot of modern relationship politics
Mouret’s script, co-written with Carmen Leroi, offers a keen observation of Xennial relationship dynamics, particularly within the urban-bourgeois milieu. The film’s characters navigate their romantic entanglements with a mix of honesty and hypocrisy, reflecting the complexities of modern love. While no subplot leads to surprising revelations, the film’s strength lies in its witty and candid portrayal of marital compromises and the double standards that often accompany them.
Elegant performances and subtle direction
The cast delivers elegant performances, with Macaigne standing out as the heartbroken Victor. His portrayal of a man coming to terms with the end of his marriage is both poignant and relatable. Mouret’s direction is brisk and efficient, complemented by Laurent Desmet’s soft, slightly washed-out cinematography and Benjamin Esdraffo’s delicate score, which includes classical pieces by Mozart, Ravel, and Mendelssohn.
A steady journey through love and filmmaking
Three Friends may not offer the emotional depth of some of its influences, but it provides a steady, engaging exploration of love and relationships. As Allen’s shark metaphor in Annie Hall suggests, sometimes it’s enough to keep things moving, both in relationships and in filmmaking.
For those interested in exploring the film further, you can watch the trailer for Three Friends.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a lover of cinema, Three Friends resonates with me on multiple levels. The film’s exploration of love and infidelity is both relatable and thought-provoking. Mouret’s ability to weave humor into the narrative without undermining the emotional weight of the story is commendable. The performances, particularly Macaigne’s, add a layer of authenticity that makes the characters’ struggles feel real.
For those who appreciate films that delve into the complexities of human relationships, Three Friends is a must-watch. Its subtle direction and elegant performances make it a standout in the genre of romantic comedies.
For TV series and music enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of TV series that explore similar themes, you might enjoy shows like Call Your Agent, which also stars Camille Cottin. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of talent agents in Paris, blending humor and drama in a way that complements the themes of Three Friends.
For music lovers, the film’s score, featuring classical pieces by Mozart, Ravel, and Mendelssohn, adds a rich auditory layer to the viewing experience. You can explore these composers’ works on Spotify.
Three Friends is a film that invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the delicate balance between love and compromise. Its blend of humor, honesty, and elegance makes it a memorable addition to the world of romantic comedies.