“Two Women”

“Two Women” is a refreshing and frank exploration of female desire and the complexities of modern relationships. Directed by Chloé Robichaud and adapted from Claude Fournier’s 1970 film “Two Women in Gold,” this sexually candid (and very funny) reimagining embraces both the gravity and the absurdity of what it means to be a female in today’s society.

Neighbors Violette (Laurence Leboeuf) and Florence (Karine Gonthier-Hyndman) are two women who are both grappling with dissatisfaction in their lives. Violette is struggling with maternity leave and a husband who is always away on business trips, and Florence is battling depression and an inattentive boyfriend. The two women find an unexpected camaraderie and mutual understanding in their shared frustrations, leading to a series of misadventures that are raw, hilarious, and full of relatable candor.

What makes the film so engaging is its unflinching honesty about female sexuality and desire. Florence’s first rendezvous into the world of infidelity is a game-changer for her, something that becomes a moment of liberation as she reclaims her own sense of self.

The film balances humor with poignancy, never shying away from the messy, complicated emotions at play. It’s not a judgmental sex comedy, but refreshingly acknowledges the realities of women’s needs, desires, and struggles with empathy.

Gonthier-Hyndman and Leboeuf bring a fantastic balance of humor and drama to their roles, portraying their characters’ vulnerabilities with agency and authenticity. Their friendship is believable, and the insightful writing captures the nuanced experience of modern womanhood in ways that will resonate with many (especially women who see parts of themselves reflected in Violette and Florence’s journey).

It’s a rarity to see a movie that handles the complexity of female sexuality and emotional struggles with such openness and empathy, and “Two Women” does it in a funny and engaging way.

By: Louisa Moore