Audrey Diwan’s reinterpretation of *Emmanuelle* may not resonate with everyone, but for those willing to engage with its subversive qualities, it offers an unexpectedly beguiling experience. Contrary to the radical overhaul some might have anticipated from the director of *Happening*, this version retains the original story’s core elements while stripping away expected sensuality, creating a detached aura that’s more intellectually stimulating than titillating.
Rather than celebrating sexual discovery in its traditional sense, Diwan presents a dispassionate view of desire, aligning more with existential reflections found in films like Jonathan Glazer’s *Under the Skin*. The dreamlike tone lends itself to an experience that feels both familiar and alien, drawing viewers into a narrative that is less about eroticism and more about the inherent absurdity and surreal nature of the genre’s tropes.
In this version, Emmanuelle, played by Noémie Merlant, navigates the luxury hotel industry with the same clinical detachment she approaches her personal life. Her encounters in Hong Kong evoke a sense of routine, further emphasizing the disconnect between her actions and any genuine sense of pleasure. The film’s dry humor, especially as embodied in Will Sharpe’s mystifying character, further subverts the expected dynamics of an erotic drama, turning what could be standard narrative beats into something decidedly uncanny.
Despite its intentional distance and limited dramatic scope, Diwan’s *Emmanuelle* manages to linger long after viewing, resonating more as a cerebral exploration of desire rather than a straightforward erotic narrative. While not for everyone, those open to its avant-garde ambitions may find its uniqueness oddly captivating. Overall, this rendition of *Emmanuelle* earns a solid 7/10 for its daring and intellectually engaging approach to a well-trodden genre.