User reviews

In an undefined future having big insurance corporations, Thomas is a thirty-three years old retired man having agoraphobia for eight years. He uses cyber-sex for sexual self-satisfaction and never leaves his place or receives any visit. His apartment has a type of air-lock or ante-room, where he receives his deliveries. Thomas has psychological treatment with his psychiatrist through the video. One day, he knows the therapeutic prostitute Eva, and falls in love with her.

This low-budget movie is one of the most original and intriguing films I have ever seen. This view of the future using the video to achieve all the services is getting closer and closer. The story hooks the attention until the last (disappointing) open scene, when we finally see Thomas. In Brazil, this film is only available on cable television. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Apaixonado Thomas" ("Infactuated Thomas")

Obs: On 17 July 2008, I watched this movie on DVD.

thomas in love is an engaging story and with aesthetically pleasing cinematography and colorful sets

i wish the relationships between the characters could have been developed a bit more fully. perhaps casting was the issue because one 'cyber-girlfriend' was much more engaging than the other, which leaves you missing her towards the end of the film.

it might have held together better if it had focused on one major relationship. almost seems as if there was enough raw material to develop into two separate films rather than trying to smush both relationships into one.

but overall, a really enjoyable film!

warning: fast forward past first few minutes if you don't know your date too well-- gratuitous cartoon sex could have been handled with more subtlety. didn't add much except titillation to the storyline.

if you liked this film, check out Lynn Hershman Leeson's TechnoLust. Leeson adds a bit more humor but similar mise en scene & aesthetic.

THOMAS IN LOVE (3+ outta 5 stars)

A severe agoraphobe (afraid of open spaces) spends his whole life shut up in his apartment, experiencing only what he can via his computer screen. Since this takes place in the near future, he can actually see and do quite a bit. (The only problem, same as nowadays, is getting a repair technician to actually make a housecall... but since Thomas *never* leaves his home anyway, this doesn't prove to be too much of a difficulty.) His therapist thinks Thomas could benefit by more human contact so he enrolls Thomas in a dating agency and a medical prostitution service. Thomas is intrigued by a woman he meets in each place... but will either of them be able to get him to leave his apartment and have a real relationship... or will they be stuck in those embarrassing, clunky cybersex suits forever? This very interesting movie takes place entirely from the point of view of Thomas. The audience can only see what Thomas sees on his computer screen. We can hear his voice but we never see his face. The movie is carried by the performances of the people he encounters in his daily routine... everyone is completely believable. In another ten years' time this film will probably seem like a documentary.

One of the most stimulating, hilarious, thought provoking films I've seen in years. About an agoraphobe living maybe a decade into the future (in Belgium), when it is possible to have exclusively virtual relationships. Narrator/star has wry sense of humour, yet is quite compassionate and understanding as he goes about his daily business -- in all realms of life -- via interactive electronic media.

Film touches on experiences many of us have had in chat rooms, via email, on ICQ, on web pages, etc. It will probably seem very familiar to you. You're likely to find yourself nodding, "yes, yes, I've done that.... ah, yes, that's just the way it could be....."

Subtly and credibly casted, directed and acted. A film that is good enough to bear viewing two or three times. Something Ridley Scott might have made, if he'd thought of it first and if he'd sworn off violence.

I'm surprised by the quantity of gushing reviews of Thomas in Love, which IFC is now showing on cable TV in the US.

This movie feels like a sci-fi short story developed into a short film by a student. The characters aren't very well-developed and the plot is small. The setting is foreign enough to be futuristic, but still familiar. The camera work is unusual and that's half of its charm. It's an exploration of an idea. A one-line plot pitch sums up the whole movie in its entirety. So many other films manage to create a spell in the time allotted to them, or create amazing characters with a wealth of subtleties. This movie doesn't manage that. It doesn't even attempt it. This is not to say it's a bad movie, just that it's not really all that noteworthy either.

While Thomas in Love is thoroughly enjoyable, fun, cute, and stylish in a gently cyberpunk way, it's not a stand-out.

Thomas In Love is a very interesting film from the first second to the last. It's not the least bit like any other movie I've seen, thus most likely, you'll either love it or hate it. It starts out on a computerized screen, and you begin waiting for the moment it'll jump onto "real life scenes". Now, that was one of the most enjoyable waits of my life, lasting longer than I thought. Thomas In Love is certainly watchable, and even more. Easily 3 stars out of 5, and maybe a 4th one.

But as I said, don't expect to see a Hollywood movie, or a European movie, or a Belgian movie. It's 100%, and not even 99.9%, different than any other movie ever made that I've seen. You might not like it, and as stated above, you could very well hate it. But you'll find it outstanding and interesting for sure, and you won't regret having spent an hour and a half with it EVEN IF you hate it. Watch it!

Thomas est amoureux (Thomas in Love) is perhaps one of the most unique and interesting films that I've seen. Although the introduction featuring 'Sextoon' could easily make it dismissable as a film about sex, hang on for a bit and you will discover quite an intelligent film.

It is the not-too-distant future and Thomas is an agoraphobe (one with fear of open air) who has kept himself in his apartment for eight years, communicating only by videophone functionality on his computer. He is advised to try dating services by his psychologist and meets women via the service, one of which starts to change his life.

The entire movie is filmed from the perspective of Thomas' computer screen, this itself gives the film a very unique effect. What also makes this movie interesting is Thomas' development of character - not only is it done very well, it is interesting to see how love can affect an agoraphobe, how he affects other people via the videophone, and how other people affect him. The way the future is portrayed is also quite interesting.

There isn't much to criticise the movie on (one could argue that there was quite a bit of explicit content, but it does seem necessary). That said, it isn't really a masterpiece. But it's still an interesting and impressive film. Recommended.

After the film experience of Belgian director Pierre-Paul Renders' "Thomas in Love," if we think about it, the title literally says what the film is all about. Yet in the beginning, we probably don't pay much attention to this title detail, 'cos we are dazzled by the amazing computer-digital video work of Clara and her simulated movements & sounds in 'sextoon.' We get the story of Thomas Thomas, an eight-year agoraphobic 32 year old, by (not actually seeing him, but) his going about his daily activities strictly through the technological device and mercy of videophoning: his interactions with the people he calls up, talks to, cybersex with on screen through his computer. Yes, it may sound like a lot of conversations/dialogs, but the nuances are felt in between the subtle unspoken moments, hesitating pauses… The visuals are impressive: from bright colorful setups, to the intimate background/room environment the person on the screen is in, and the interesting symbols on the faces of each video-in-person, including Thomas' mother and her friends. We also get to view cyber poetry transmitted, and somehow get a sense of how a cybersex suit is applied and plugged-in for virtual two-way connection. It's truly an imaginative filmic experience and it's beyond simply hi-tech alright! The ingenious aspect is how sensitivity and emotions were definitely not lacking throughout the film (and humor is included.) Certainly more warm (and hotter at times) than Wayne Wang's "Center of the World" 2001.

Yes, if you appreciate the film "Thomas in Love," definitely visit its official site sponsored by IFC (served from Independent Film Channel's sextranet) - there is warning prior to entry of the site that it "contains content of a sexually explicit nature which is not suitable for young audiences…continue if you are over the age of 18 and not easily offended by sexual content." So, yes, this film is NFE (Not For Everyone.)

If you're curious about what possibilities of interacting in cyberspace are like, if you care about where love and its power may lead you, if you appreciate innovative and imaginative filmmaking - yes, don't miss Thomas In Love, and visit its official Web site, for sure. (Film is in French with subtitles, site is in English with occasional French.)

"Thomas In Love (Thomas est amoureux)" is one of the most creative imaginings of social life in the future I've seen since "Gattaca."

So many sci fi movies are only technology oriented, while "Thomas" is about people. It entertainingly satirizes and compares the meaning and purposes of erotic video games, cyber/virtual sex and computer dating services with basic human relationships.

The plot twists and turns so I'm not exactly sure which characters/institutions are manipulating whom to whose advantage and goals. The conceit of never seeing the face of the protagonist works ingeniously as you see all the action from his, and only his, perspective, specifically his computer terminal.

When "Thomas" comes out in video, it could become a cult hit if it dubs the French-speaking Belgians; this is the first foreign film I've ever seen that I might be willing to watch dubbed on the small screen as reading the subtitles changes the video-vision sub-text.

(originally written 8/19/01)

My opinion

"Thomas is in love" is at least that one can say a film ... weird, and the choice to never show the famous Thomas is interesting in itself, we only hear it in voice-over. Another film with false rhythms that also hurts the film, otherwise the idea is original, but for me it remains far too poor to make a good film.

Just got this film from the library; the strange face and bright colors really caught my eye. Little did I know that I was in store for a refreshingly original story where one never gets to see the protagonist. The subtle effect of the format of the film (we only see the people Thmoas sees on his videophone) slowly creates a palpable claustrophobic tension. Only sincere acting could make this script work and the actors deserve great credit, as well as the clear vision of the director. The animation sequences were also fun to watch. This film challenges typical notions of alienation in a modern world. It is a terrific exploration into the world of an agoraphobic in the not so distant future. Its great to know that a film like this can get made.

Here are 5 reasons why one would like to see Renders' Thomas in Love: 1. As long as the film, you look at a computer screen without getting bored, it is fun. 2. If you are interested in the near future of computer technology, Thomas visualizes that for you. 3. If you are interested in psychology, Thomas is about the need for communication and love, of a human being. 4. Thomas questions the virtual part of our lives. 5. If you are interested in space, you will find some spaces in Thomas in different media.

Movie shot with unusual perspective, where everything is seen through the eyes of the main character constantly staring at a monitor. The digital society depicted is reminescent of Ballard yet less cynical. Way too convincing to be labelled as "sci-fi", excellent work

A movie in which the lead character is never on camera, and where the other characters are seen as if on a computer monitor might sound like a gimmick which could wear on viewers rather quickly. That is not the case here thanks to sharp writing and directing. I found this quirky flick quite fascinating. In places it was almost hilarious while remaining thought provoking. I think anyone who spends much time online in this millennium will enjoy this film and also recognize many elements of life on the net.

I got up early on Sunday to catch a matinee of Thomas in Love. I had a horrible headache (from all the drinking I did the night before) and i almost thought twice about going to see this french Sci-Fi story about an agoraphobic. But i got up, put on my clothes and head over to the Nuart, my second favorite place in L.A. The movie was astounding, told completely thought the computer and video/phone system that Thomas uses to keep in touch with the world. The movie has a very hopeful and frightening feeling to it, simultaneously, a walking contradiction, like Thomas himself. The film has a very sterile and detached details to it, which is the reason for my fear. Internet will only separate us more, one does not need to live the house, or socialize. With great special efx (that add to the story, not take over), and a simple, almost under written characters, the director manages to pull two love stories in two hours both of them different and haunting, like love itself. The acting was difficult just because is all talking heads, but still is fascinating.

This film takes place in an era where socialization isn't a priority or at least not as important as it was in the past. The main character of this film spends his whole life inside his house and in front of his computer, where he meets his doctor, talks to his mother and makes love. What's amazing about this film is how real Thomas' character is. It's easy to imagine ourselves behaving the way Thomas behaves. His final heroic exodus is a cliche that can be found in most techno-phobic movies, but I don't think this film could be called techno-phobic. Oh and you're gonna love those painted faces! The most realistic futuristic film that I've seen for a while. And a touching love story.

A dystopian original indie movie lets you follow the agoraphobic life of Thomas.

This movie is about humans' relationship lost in a future that is surely going to happen, where big corporations and private health assurances take care and control of your daily life.

People will always seek happiness, even in strange ways like in this incredible (not perfect at all) movie.

One thing for sure when you sit down to watch this film, you know you are about to watch something original. To my surprise it very much lives up to my expectations, thrusts you into a futuristic world but rather than making the sets slick and glossy they have an almost retro feel and mind you the movie released in 2000. Pierre-Paul Renders 'Thomas' is a thirty-two-year-old man and has been suffering from acute agoraphobia for some time. He organizes his life around his virtual contacts: online poetry course, bot girlfriend, etc and has never left his apartment, he does not let anyone in, and he communicates with the outside world via a video camera. These experiences have made him lonely, hopeless and tired and from the outset, in a few 5-10 minutes we understand that Thomas's life is poor, without much interest, which revolves above all around an onanist practice of sexual pleasure, if possible spends his free time practicing cybersex. Everything seems like a drag in his life and lives on a pension paid by the insurance company. One day, his psychologist working for the insurance company forces Thomas to sign up for a dating site where he has to meet a real woman as part of therapy. From here the story gets interesting as the director immerses us in the daily life of this Thomas in a direct way. And this, all along, from the subjective point of view of the video camera without ever seeing the face of the main character, Thomas. Final Thought: For me this is a very human film and the director has managed to take a script that is truly sad and depressive and show it through a compassionate, sympathetic and approachable lens, where every viewer is bound to derive their own conclusion when it ends. To conclude, Thomas is in love is undoubtedly one of the most daring/visionary films of the 2000s (Many years before Orkut, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tinder and others exploded).

We caught Thomas est amoureux at the Virginia Film Festival this year. As we left, my wife and I (who have seen a number of really good films this year) agreed that this was one of, if not the best, movie we'd seen in a long time. It tells the story of Thomas, a young agoraphobic, who has not left his house in eight years and who interacts solely through the internet videophone on his computer. Yes, it is told from his point of view, which is as claustrophobic and inhibiting as you would expect. However, I thought it was brilliant - by the end, I felt as cramped and limited as the protagonist. ****/****

I enjoyed this movie for a couple of reasons.

Reminiscent of Paul Cox's "Lonely Hearts" it uses the love story format to illustrate the need for emotionally crippled people to connect. It also shows a future world of communications which rings very true because we are almost there. Unfortunately, the use of the first person camera ruins what could have been a truly great movie.

The first person camera seems like a good cinematic idea but it is not. Instead of enhancing the viewer's emotional transference (which would be the goal), it detracts from it. The reason might be illustrated by the comments of a sensitive and attractive young lady I saw on a newsmagazine the other night. She had lost her sight and then recovered it. When asked what she had missed seeing most, her answer was immediate: "herself".

Maybe someone in Hollywood will get a hold of this one and do it right.