Romantics Anonymous 2011

Angélique is a young woman from France grappling with social anxiety disorder, causing her to feel overwhelmed by almost everything around her. To navigate her challenges, she attends a support group designed for individuals sharing similar experiences. Meanwhile, Jean-René, the proprietor of a struggling chocolate factory called the Chocolate Mill, also battles social anxiety, particularly when it comes to forming intimate relationships. Unfortunately, the factory’s fortunes have dwindled due to its outdated chocolate recipes, which fail to captivate the market.

Determined to pursue her passion for chocolate making, Angélique enrolled in pastry school, but her anxiety often thwarted her attempts to engage in class or pass her exams. Fortunately, a kindred spirit, Mr. Mercier, who understands her struggles, hires her to craft chocolates for his quaint tearoom and shop, Mercier Sweetshop. To protect Angélique’s identity, he whimsically tells his customers that the confections are crafted by a hermit living in solitude in the mountains. In this creative haven, Angélique blossoms and thrives for seven long years.

After Mr. Mercier’s passing, Angélique seeks employment at the Chocolate Mill. In a twist of fate and misunderstanding, Jean-René hires her as a sales representative, unaware of her true talents. As Angélique discovers that the company risks bankruptcy without a boost in chocolate quality, she collaborates with her new colleagues to develop a novel line of chocolate, asserting that she possesses a mysterious connection to the famed hermit chocolatier.

As Angélique and Jean-René navigate their professional and personal lives, they find themselves falling in love. However, their profound emotional struggles create obstacles in expressing their feelings and nurturing their relationship. Meanwhile, the Chocolate Mill’s employees grow increasingly suspicious of Angélique’s supposed link to the renowned secret chocolate maker.

Ultimately, with the encouragement and support from her colleagues at the Chocolate Mill and her support group, Angélique’s true identity as the hermit chocolatier is unveiled. This revelation revitalizes the factory, ushering in success. As their love deepens, Jean-René and Angélique overcome their fears, consummating their relationship. The couple then learns to manage the pressures of wedding planning gracefully, ensuring that they remain together for a lifetime, filled with love and chocolate.