Young & Beautiful 2014

While spending a summer vacation with her parents along the picturesque Mediterranean coast of southern France, Isabelle, portrayed by Marine Vacth, embarks on a journey of self-exploration and loss of innocence. Seeking to shed her virginity, she becomes involved with a charming German tourist named Felix. Unfortunately, the encounter leaves her feeling unfulfilled and yearning for more.

As autumn sets in, Isabelle takes a drastic step that transforms her life; she begins working as a high-class escort under the alias Lea. Among her clients is the 63-year-old Georges, played by Johan Leysen, whom she forms an unexpected bond with. This connection takes an eerie turn when Georges tragically suffers a heart attack while engaged with Isabelle. In a state of shock, she attempts to revive him before fleeing the scene in panic.

The following winter, Isabelle’s life unravels when the police arrive at her home to speak with her mother, Sylvie (Géraldine Pailhas), about her prostitution activities and the circumstances surrounding Georges’ death. In a whirlwind of emotions, Sylvie confronts Isabelle, unleashing her anger with a series of slaps before ultimately apologizing and grounding her. Amidst the chaos, Isabelle is coerced into giving a statement to the authorities, where she shares her unsettling truth: initially approached by a stranger for sex work, she felt repulsed, yet motivated by stories of peers profiting in similar ways, she created a website and utilized resources to enter the business herself. Although deemed a victim due to her age, the outcome sees her mother claim the earnings from Isabelle’s exploits.

In hopes of healing, Sylvie takes Isabelle to see a therapist, Serge Hefez, who helps her navigate the trauma and guilt stemming from the death of Georges, which haunts her mind. With the specter of prostitution behind her, Isabelle attempts to reclaim her teenage years, working as a babysitter and seeking normalcy. She meets Alex ([Laurent Delbecque]) at a party, and they engage in a brief romantic relationship, yet, once again, Isabelle’s inner turmoil leads her to exit the relationship, declaring a lack of true affection.

Time passes, and as spring arrives, Isabelle reactivates her phone to check for messages from former clients. To her surprise, Alice (Charlotte Rampling), Georges’ widow, contacts her, seeking to meet and understand the circumstances surrounding her husband’s last moments. They convene at the hotel where the tragic event unfolded, and Alice, radiant in her composure, reassures Isabelle of her non-blame, expressing a unique sentiment that dying while engaged in love is a beautiful departure. With an unexpected tenderness, Alice invites Isabelle to join her on the bed, encouraging vulnerability as they lie together. As Isabelle succumbs to slumber, the intimate moment signifies a turning point in her journey towards peace. The film closes with her awakening alone, yet notably transformed and at ease with herself.