Desire

Once again, with the everlasting stigma of being misnamed porn, "Q (Desire)" is in fact a raw and unfiltered exploration of sexuality, desire, and the search for connection. The two protagonists are key players in this intricate emotional tapestry, erratic and poorly written, certainly, but whose psychologies reveal the depths of the human experience. The bravery of actresses Déborah Révy and Hélène Zimmer in a disgustingly hypocritical world, where reactionary social conventions label the most explicit exposure of the human body as pornography or indecency, is something we should all reflect on, rather than ostracizing them in shame (we have barely been able to see either of them in future projects due to a fundamentally sexist and even misogynistic pigeonholing).

"Q (Desire)" is an erotic drama that intertwines the lives of several people in a social context marked by the economic crisis. The film centers on Cécile, a 20-year-old woman who, after the death of her father, finds herself helpless and seeking solace in her friendships and a series of sexual experiences that confront her own fantasies and desires. Cécile explores complex relationships and the search for pleasure and connection with different characters. Among them, the insecure Alice, misunderstood by her rigid and overprotective mother, yearns for a great romance, although her relationship with Matt doesn't offer the security she seeks. Through encounters and disagreements, the story delves into human desire and how it can disrupt people's lives, with Cécile serving as a catalyst that connects everyone and turns the lives of those she meets upside down.

The recurrent use of sex in the form of fellatio, masturbation, or the act of love itself, in various explicit but very natural and elegant sequences (the sequence of the two protagonists in the ferry bathroom offers one of the most intensely erotic moments I've ever witnessed in a film) serves to weave empowerment, but also victimization. Cécile uses her sexuality as an autonomous tool, always choosing with whom, when, and how, which gives her a powerful sense of control in her life. Her willingness to expose herself can be interpreted as a desire to be observed, desired, and validated. There is an underlying need to feel attractive and significant, to confirm her own existence through the gaze and desire of others.

Alice is Cécile's emotional counterpart, a young woman on the threshold of coming of age, exploring her sexuality and identity with a mixture of curiosity and naiveté. Her initial relationship with Matt is her first foray into sexual intimacy. This dynamic represents the conventional adolescent paradigm of romance and sex. However, there is a subtle dissatisfaction in Alice, a restlessness that suggests this "normalcy" isn't enough to satisfy her deepest desires or her growing "secret" curiosity. Alice is a more contemplative and sensitive character. Although she doesn't directly participate in Cécile's activities, she is a keen observer of the complexities and emotional consequences of these interactions.

But a very effective movie. I had no idea watching this, that it would have graphic nudity in it. Nor that it would also include actual penetration (oral sex and more). But that is not the reason I was positively surprised by this movie. The performances did it. And the fact, that the woman actually feel real in this one. They have their problems and desires and feel like well thought persons, which unfortunately even in "normal" movies is not always the case.

If you don't have a problem with the sexual and erotic nature of the movie, you will watch a drama that is very well made. Interestingly enough by a man, who obviously wanted to break with some conventions and clichés. But remember, this is more an drama that is erotic/sexual, than erotic with some added drama!

I guess if you can make it past the first 20 minutes then it might be interesting to watch.

I love this film! It is honest and beautiful, and I actually liked how all the sexy scenes never stopped surprising you. Very sincere and I also love the storyline. There is nothing about this movie that feels fake, and yes, maybe it was not what I expected but it was... fascinating. It also contains some great acting.

More films out there should be this honest and real! And also, I like Cecile's and Chance's relationship, it is just so interesting... You can really see from the beginning how they care for each other, and yet they do not make any promises or expect anything from each other.

The shooting and conversations in the movie is what I feel makes it so honest. Absolutely wonderful.

I would totally watch it again. And again.

This movie is very daring because showing many unsimulated sex scenes, what is not frequent in mainstream movies. Some young actors are good and promising. The first one is Deborah Révy who plays the leading role. Even if her character is not very credible (a girl obsessed by sex and greedy to make love with many people, just because her father died recently), she plays it well, with a provocative and natural attitude. She's pretty convincing even if the storyboard is rather awkward.

Hélène Zimmer who plays, on the opposite, a shy girl frightened to make love with her boyfriend for the first time, is touching and very convincing too.

In that kind of movie showing explicitly physical love, I preferred "9 songs" by far, because in "Q", one has often the feeling that the explicit sex scenes are shown for themselves and don't really serve the story. so, watching the movie, one have an embarrassing feeling to be a voyeur.

that's pity, it could have been far better. But I enjoyed it anyway.