Le donne al balcone

Thematically (and I suspect, deliberately) this is all over the map in terms of its inspirations and borrowings from a wild variety of genres. As such, one just has to "go with it" if it's your kind of thing.

I must say though that, for me, too many of the scenes felt familiar from other films (at one point it felt like a direct homage to Almodovar, for example), although Merlant the actor demonstrates admirable commitment to her debut directing project.

There's a serious feminist message here but, given the total lack of sympathetic male characters, it's hardly the most balanced film - I suspect allowing any borderline cases to say to themselves "well, I'm nothing like *that* guy..." rather than perhaps take on board the need to change behaviour somewhat.

Quite fun in parts, and worth a look, but less amusing than I was expecting.

First thing you need to know going in is that this film is unlike any you will have watched before.

It is funny, it is over the top, it is gore, it is feminist,... it tackles issues such as sexual assault and rape in an empowering way where the victims of SA get their revenge. I loved how Noémi was able to go above and beyond with this movie.

Just go watch it I cannot spoil more to you.

The dialogue is witty and the cinematography is unbelievable. The movie takes place in France during a heatwave and it is almost like you can feel the warmth coming out of your screen.

The entire movie is all together so extremely sexpositive and does not have any shame in it for the female body.

GO WATCH IT NOW ISTG it does not get enough stars on here, this is fr one of my favourite movies right now.

... in here or out there? Why not both? A balcony is there for a reason is it not? Well no pun intended - while this is about women on balconies ... this is about way more actually. About feminism - now if that word has a negative connotation in your mind/head, hold on for a second. Don't let that be in the way of enjoying the movie - or rather diving into the experience of the movie.

Because this is quite complicated - it is about so many things. And they are not afraid to show themselves. Physically and mentally speaking of course. There is a lot of nudity, but also a lot craziness. Noemie who also stars in this made her first film and it really is bold! She is a force to be reckoned with - the movie may go to many different places and has different characters (who are complex in and of themselves), but this tells us to listen - to show empathy ... and understanding ... otherwise things may go south quickly and no one wants that.

And a bit of insight to ones own actions ... admitting to wrongdoing, does not only help the victims (those harmed), but also yourself ... everyone can move on. Not entertaining per se then ... but really important, as a message, as voice and as a movie.

Three very different twenty / thirty something girls - an actress (Élise), a writer (Nicole) and webcam model (Ruby) - try to chill in their Marseilles flats and their balconies during a heatwave. Attracted to the man in the flat across the road they go over for drinks. One stays over and the next day she is found hysterical and covered in blood. The three return to the man's flat to find the man impaled and missing part of his genitals - they determine to cover things up.

Apparently a feminist dark comedy, the amusing elements soon fade morphing into a rather scattergun, somewhat surreal tale of violence to women by rather stereotypical unpleasant men and its impact including Nicole seeing the ghosts of those killed. It's darkly humorous in places but because the characters of the leads never really develop and because every feller here is a complete twerp, it's hard to entirely care too much, sweet though they are. Ultimately different, stylish and with lots of ideas some of which are quite inspired but most just don't really land. - certainly art for art's sake.

This movie is a little gem really. A hysterical, funny and crazy story. The script holds up all the way (limps sometimes), but as a whole very entertaining and thought-provoking movie in many ways. The actresses are brilliant in their roles. They do their characters justice. The chemistry between them works great. The movie makes me think of Almodovar's early movies. A film Almodovar could have made actually. I think this movie should really be seen if the opportunity comes. I look forward to what the director will do for film next. I will definitely watch it too. Really looking forward to it.