Emmanuelle Review [Video]

Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle is a visually striking exploration of isolation, desire, and identity within the gilded cage of luxury.

Emmanuelle tells the story of a woman navigating her desires and identity in a world that feels distinctly foreign to her. A quality controller for a prestigious luxury hotel chain, she travels to Hong Kong on a professional mission to evaluate a local hotel that has recently suffered a decline in customer ratings. Amid the backdrop of her work, she embarks on a personal journey, seeking pleasure and fulfillment in a city that is both alluring and unfamiliar. Her pursuit leads to an intriguing and enigmatic connection with a mysterious guest, blurring the lines between professional obligation and personal longing.

Audrey Diwan’s film immerses its audience in a world of longing, alienation, and identity, though it takes time to fully invite viewers into its narrative. The deliberate pacing reflects the protagonist’s own sense …