Biting, funny, and socially astute, this romantic comedy from Quebecois actor, writer, and director Monia Chokri (A Brother’s Love) tackles class difference and infidelity.
The Nature of Love, which debuted at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section, is the third feature from Quebecois actor, writer, and director Monia Chokri (A Brother’s Love) — a biting romantic comedy that tackles class differences and infidelity.
Star Magalie Lépine Blondeau disappears into the role of Sophia, a fortysomething, posh, French-Canadian professor who’s involved in a congenial, familiar relationship with her partner Xavier (Francis-William Rhéaume). The lived-in feel of their 10 years together is on full display at dinner parties — and in their separate bedrooms.
Sophia’s curiosity about infidelity — which she first projects on her husband when the couple learn about a friend’s recent divorce — grows into much more when she meets Sylvain (Pierre-Yves Cardinal), the strapping, plaid-adorned contractor tasked with fixing up the couple’s country home. Opposites attract here — she’s the brains and he’s the brawn — and they quickly begin a tumultuous affair. But Sophia has a hard time reconciling the reality of their differences, especially when they introduce their family and friends to one another, and their disparate political leanings and varying viewpoints become comically apparent. As their affair continues, the tension between their different worlds comes to a very uncomfortable head.
With its deft dashes of conflict, The Nature of Love is part social commentary, part love story — and a solid entry into the romantic dramedy canon.
KELLY BOUTSALIS
Official Selection, 2023 Toronto International Film Festival
Content advisory: sexual content