To Each, Her Own

To Each, Her Own is a light-hearted, yet impactful French romantic comedy directed by Myriam Aziza. The film was released in 2018 and features talented actors such as Sarah Stern, Jean-Christophe Folly, and Julia Piaton. The story engages with deep-seated societal issues and personal identity struggles, all wrapped within a pleasant comedic tone that successfully evades being preachy.

The narrative revolves around the life of Simone (Sarah Stern) who is in a relationship with Clément (Jean Christophe-Folly). Despite having a loving partner, Simone grapples with her sexual orientation and is subsequently drawn towards Wali (Arieh Worthalter), a suave female lawyer. The film thus lays out the complexities of sexuality, religiosity, and identity in a layered, yet accessible manner. Without giving away too much, let's take a detailed look at the characters and the key themes of the movie:

Simone emerges as a central character around whom the narrative unfolds. She is Jewish and struggles with her identity, with both her religious faith and her latent homosexuality clashing with the realities of her life. Her character comes off as beautifully flawed, managing to engage viewers as she navigates her intricate path.

Her partner, Clément, is a caring and dedicated chef with roots in Africa. He's ready to convert to Judaism for Simone. However, he's unaware of Simone's increasing attraction to Wali, which leads to several awkward and comedic moments.

Wali is the new woman who enters Simone’s life, leading her to question her previously straightforward, if somewhat stumbled, path. A charming lawyer, independent and self-assured, Wali brushes all conventions aside, which results in a scintillating dynamic with Simone.

Simone's struggle with her identity forms the crux of the film and creates a compelling watch. Her battle to reconcile her faith with her personal desires raises pertinent questions about acceptance, tolerance, and love.

While the film ventures into territories that are often taboo, it does so with an airy lightness that's peppered with wit and humor. The direction by Myriam Aziza is spot on, artfully combining humor with challenging themes, and avoiding being preachy or melancholy. The comedy seeps into the narrative in a genuine manner, making the laughs generated feel organic, and not like they've been shoehorned in as an afterthought.

Despite packing a comedic punch, the film doesn't shy away from addressing vital societal issues. It critiques homophobia, the imposition of religious beliefs, and societal norms with a beautifully balanced combination of gentle satire and outright mockery.

The actors have done a stellar job, imbuing their roles with a depth that not only pans out in delightfully comedic ways but also in a manner that allows viewers to empathize with their struggles. Sarah Stern convincingly plays the role of a woman battling with her truth, whereas Jean Christophe-Folly's portrayal of Clément is gentle yet impactful. Julia Piaton, who enters the narrative towards the climax, adds a unique perspective to the unfolding drama.

The screenplay is another strength of the movie, consistently maintaining its pace and delivering the right balance of comedy, drama, and social satire throughout. Moreover, the cinematography effectively captures the raw and intensely personal narrative without overwhelming the viewer.

A recurring theme that calls for attention in the movie is the concept of freedom, especially in the context of one's sexual orientation and religious identity. Through Simone’s profound personal journey, the viewers are prompted to question societal conventions and their understanding of identity and acceptance.

On a wider perspective, "To Each, Her Own" is a timely movie that offers a fresh perspective on sexuality, faith, and the taboos associated with these topics. It serves as a mirror to a society that is gradually stepping towards accepting diverse identities and love in its many forms.

In conclusion, To Each, Her Own is an insightful romantic comedy that is well worth a watch. It seamlessly brings together complex, weighty themes within a delightful, comedic narrative – a testament to not just Myriam Aziza's prowess at the helm but also the talented cast that brings this narrative to life on screen. Whether you're an enthusiast for French cinema, someone seeking a good laugh, or someone looking to uncover profound truths about personal identity and love, this film has something for everyone.