Friendzone 2021
Directed by
Charles Van Tieghem
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
In Friendzone, Thibault, portrayed by Mickaël Lumière, is an orderly at a hospital who finds himself at a resort during his friend Titi’s female bachelor party. One fateful night, while skinny dipping in the ocean, he encounters the stunning Rose, played by Eva Danino, who has a fish sting that Thibault courageously helps alleviate. During their conversation, he learns that Rose recently broke things off with her rapper boyfriend, Bruno. As a designer of children’s products, Rose and Thibault share moments that draw them closer, particularly when she expresses her fondness for his foot massages.
Despite their growing intimacy, Thibault grapples with the painful realization that Rose views him solely as a friend, leaving him heartbroken. His friends, including Constance Arnoult as Alexandra, Fadily Camara as Lulu, and Manon Azem as Maud, insist that his initial failure to make a move led to his friend-zone situation. Determined to change, they work with Thibault to reinvent him entirely.
Maud helps him through rigorous morning workouts, while Lulu teaches him African dance moves, and Alexandra advises him on maintaining an air of mystery. They also provide insights into confidence and intimacy, pushing Thibault into a transformative journey. Gradually, he gains enough confidence to connect with Jennifer, a social media influencer, played by Eloise Valli, marking a significant shift in his social life.
However, Thibault’s relationship with Jennifer soon spirals down as her domineering nature confines him to an existence dominated by selfies and greens. Meanwhile, Rose’s unexpected visit to the hospital prompts Thibault to assertively distance himself, declaring that he can no longer remain just a friend.
In a bid to rekindle his connection with Rose, Thibault’s friends concoct a scheme to make her envious of his new involvement with Jennifer while simultaneously highlighting Bruno’s shortcomings. Their plan takes a wild turn at a costume party where tensions rise, leading to Bruno’s disgraceful actions that reveal his true nature. In a rush to comfort and protect Rose, Thibault pursues her, but the emotional moment leads to rejection as she accuses him of exploiting her vulnerability.
Following a fallout with both Rose and Jennifer, Thibault confronts his friends about their misguided influence. Eventually, he reconciles with them and learns of Rose’s upcoming move to Spain, prompting him to confront his true feelings. With a heartfelt confession atop a truck, he passionately declares, “I love you,” catching Rose’s attention and sealing their connection with a kiss, all while surrounded by cheering friends and onlookers. The narrative concludes as Thibault and Rose celebrate their newfound love together in Spain, leaving behind the chaos of their pasts.
Timeline
Thibault at the Bachelor Party
Thibault attends his friend Titi's female bachelor party at a beautiful resort. Surrounded by excitement, he tries to fit in while navigating the dynamics of the group.
The Ocean Encounter
One night, while skinny dipping in the ocean, Thibault meets Rose, who has suffered a fish sting. He courageously assists her, leading to a memorable conversation that sparks their connection.
Bonding Over Foot Massages
During their conversation, Thibault discusses his life and work, and Rose reveals her recent breakup with rapper Bruno. Their chemistry grows as she shares her appreciation for his foot massages.
Friendzone Realization
Despite the budding relationship, Thibault feels heartbroken as he comes to understand that Rose sees him merely as a friend. This painful realization leaves him conflicted about their connection.
Friends' Intervention
Thibault's friends, including Alexandra, Lulu, and Maud, rally to help him escape the friendzone. They emphasize that his initial hesitation contributed to his current situation and vow to help him change.
Transformative Journey
Under the guidance of his friends, Thibault embarks on a transformative journey to improve himself. He undergoes intense morning workouts with Maud and learns African dance moves from Lulu.
Newfound Confidence
Thibault gradually builds confidence and starts connecting with Jennifer, a social media influencer, marking a change in his social life. This new relationship introduces him to a different lifestyle.
Restrictive Relationship
However, Thibault soon feels trapped in his relationship with Jennifer as her controlling nature consumes him. His life becomes dominated by her obsession with selfies and a health-centric lifestyle.
Rose's Hospital Visit
When Rose unexpectedly visits Thibault at the hospital, he realizes he must assert his boundaries. He declares that he can no longer remain just her friend, prompting intense emotions.
The Jealousy Scheme
To win Rose back, Thibault's friends devise a plan to make her jealous of his involvement with Jennifer. They aim to highlight the flaws in Rose's ex-boyfriend Bruno while creating tension.
Costume Party Chaos
The plan unfolds at a costume party where tensions rise, leading to Bruno's disgraceful behavior. Thibault rushes to comfort Rose but faces rejection when she accuses him of taking advantage of her vulnerability.
Confronting Friends
Following the fallout with both Rose and Jennifer, Thibault confronts his friends about their misguided schemes. This leads to a deeper understanding of his feelings and the impact of their actions.
Heartfelt Confession
Learning of Rose's impending move to Spain, Thibault realizes he must express his true feelings. He delivers a heartfelt confession atop a truck, passionately declaring his love for her.
Celebration of Love
The declaration catches Rose's attention, and she reciprocates with a kiss, sealing their connection. Surrounded by cheering friends, they celebrate their newfound love together in Spain.
New Beginnings
As Thibault and Rose embrace their relationship, they leave behind the chaos of their pasts. The new chapter in Spain signifies hope and transformation for both characters.
Characters
Thibault (Mickaël Lumière)
Thibault is a caring orderly who initially struggles with feeling inadequate and remaining in the friend zone. His growth throughout the film showcases his desire for romance and need for self-confidence. Thibault's journey reflects many young adults' experiences in navigating love and friendship, ultimately leading him to confront his true feelings.
Rose (Eva Danino)
Rose is a talented designer recovering from a breakup, which makes her vulnerable yet strong. She captures Thibault's heart with her charm and creativity, but her perception of him poses a challenge. Rose's journey explores themes of healing and emotional connection, making her an integral part of Thibault's transformation.
Alexandra (Constance Arnoult)
Alexandra serves as a guiding friend, offering insights into romance and confidence. Her encouragement of Thibault emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing one's true self. Her nurturing and supportive nature showcases the impact friends can have in transformative journeys.
Lulu (Fadily Camara)
Lulu brings a lively energy to the group, introducing Thibault to activities that boost his confidence. Her playful attitude and upbeat personality make her a vital part of Thibault's journey, reflecting how friends can inspire self-discovery and growth in a fun-filled manner.
Maud (Manon Azem)
Maud is an active friend who pushes Thibault through physical challenges, representing the importance of perseverance. Her commitment to helping Thibault reshapes him into someone more self-assured. The vibrancy she brings is a constant reminder of the supportive nature of friendship.
Setting
Time period
The events of 'Friendzone' unfold in contemporary times, focusing on modern relationships and social dynamics. Themes of friendship, love, and personal growth resonate throughout, highlighting the challenges faced by young adults in today's society. The characters navigate personal dilemmas, reflecting contemporary culture's influence on relationships.
Location
Hospital, Resort, Ocean, Spain
The movie traverses various locations including a bustling hospital where Thibault works and a beautiful resort setting where a friend's bachelor party takes place. The ocean serves as a backdrop for a pivotal encounter between Thibault and Rose, symbolizing freedom and vulnerability. The narrative ultimately leads to a vibrant celebration in Spain, representing new beginnings and romance.
Themes
💔
Unrequited Love
Unrequited love is a central theme in 'Friendzone', as Thibault struggles with his feelings for Rose, who sees him only as a friend. The emotional turmoil of wanting more while being trapped in the friend zone is palpably portrayed. This theme resonates deeply as Thibault's journey towards self-acceptance and transformation highlights the complexities of romantic relationships.
🛠️
Self-Improvement
Thibault's transformation, driven by his friends' encouragement, emphasizes the importance of self-improvement. Through various challenges, he learns to build confidence and introspection. This theme underscores the idea that personal growth often requires support from friends, highlighting camaraderie in overcoming life's obstacles.
🎭
Friendship
Friendship plays a pivotal role in the narrative, as Thibault relies on his friends for guidance and motivation. Their dynamic showcases the highs and lows of friendships amidst the complexities of love. The bonds formed illustrate how friends can influence decisions and provide much-needed support through emotional and relational trials.
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