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Sept. 26, 2024
Emmanuelle at San Sebastián International Film Festival
Audrey Diwan presents a ‘paralyzingly pointless’ update of the 70s soft-porn figure.
Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle, a modern reimagining
of the 1970s softcore classic, premiered at the San Sebastián Film Festival to
mixed reviews. Starring Noémie Merlant, Naomi Watts, and Will Sharpe, the film
follows Emmanuelle, a luxury hotel inspector, on an erotic journey in Hong Kong.
Critics noted the film’s aesthetic appeal, with its
luxurious settings and stylish cinematography. However, many felt it lacked
substance and failed to capture the provocative spirit of the original. Variety
described it as “chilly” and “inert,” criticizing its tame erotic content and
superficial characterization3. Screen Daily echoed these sentiments, calling it
a “paralyzingly pointless” update that offers little beyond its glossy exterior.
Despite the star-studded cast and Diwan’s previous
success with Happening, Emmanuelle struggled to find its footing. The
film’s attempt to modernize the narrative by focusing on female agency and
career ambitions was seen as a missed opportunity, with critics arguing it
neither honored the original’s spirit nor provided a fresh perspective.
Overall, Emmanuelle at San Sebastián was a
visually appealing but ultimately underwhelming experience, leaving audiences
and critics divided on its merits.
