It amazes me how some extraordinary films receive so little visibility. Allure is one of those films. I don't understand how in the time of metoo and so much lip service to films about women, social justice et al. this film didn't get more recognition. Is it because it was made before metoo? Or it falls outside of the usual cliches? Or is it too political because of its OWS backdrop, a movement which has been studiously avoided by the mainstream, never to be mentioned ever since it happened? After seeing the film, when I read some of the reviews I had to laugh out loud. The reviews are not bad, but some of the reviewers obviously didn't understand the film and most didn't even attempt to dissect its layers of meaning. In any case. The film is streaming on several platforms, and I would strongly recommend it if you're into cinema as art, made for thinking adults.
A stylized documentary approach of several women's stories in NYC from different parts of the world dealing with complex live situation, it reflects on the political context of these stories, such as class: the lowly immigrant working several jobs vs. the upper-class French journalist, and race. I won't give it away but the story of the African girl, played through a fantastic monologue by Isaach de Bankole's daughter is mesmerizing. Then observe who will comfort whom in the end, and who will benefit from that story. The arc of the main character is maybe the most predictable but it's understandable why it is there. The juxtaposition of the opening shot of her getting ready to play the role she is paid for with the sound of the demonstrations as backdrop frames the discontent many still feel today.
