Secret Things 2004
Directed by
Jean-Claude Brisseau
Made by
First Run Features
Plot Summary
Two young women from Paris, Nathalie (Coralie Revel), a nude dancer at a local bar, and Sandrine (Sabrina Seyvecou), who works as a bartender, devise a plan to ascend the social ladder of the city by moving in together. Their lives take a turbulent turn when the club owner pressures Sandrine to sleep with a paying customer. In a moment of fierce loyalty, Nathalie intervenes, dissuading Sandrine from accepting the degrading offer, but both end up fired and unceremoniously thrown onto the streets.
Struggling to keep up with her rent, Sandrine fears eviction due to her sudden unemployment, but Nathalie generously offers her a place to stay. As they share an apartment, the two forge an unconventional friendship that pushes the boundaries of their comfort zones. Nathalie encourages Sandrine to embrace her sexuality, leading to audacious escapades, including public displays of affection on the Paris Metro and intimate encounters in secluded corners of the city.
Determined to improve their financial situation, the pair decides to use their allure to climb the corporate ladder, landing secretarial positions at a prestigious bank. Sandrine quickly becomes the secretary to the influential co-founder Monsieur Delacroix (Roger Mirmont), who seems to appreciate her charms, while Nathalie navigates the complexities of her own role in Human Resources.
Both girls have their sights set on Christophe ([Fabrice Deville]), the charming yet dangerous CEO’s son. Known for his powerful personality and a string of broken relationships that led to tragic outcomes, Christophe poses a significant challenge. Despite Nathalie’s warnings about the risks involved, Sandrine is determined to pursue him. Over time, through her manipulative strategies, Sandrine manages to have Nathalie assigned to assist Delacroix, setting the stage for a shocking workplace encounter that is interrupted unexpectedly.
Following this debacle, Christophe takes them to a private restaurant where an explosive revelation occurs: Nathalie has secretly been his mistress. As he showcases his wealth, Christophe announces his intent to marry Sandrine, presenting it as a ruse to placate his dying father while secretly planning to place her in a vulnerable position for a divorce that promises a lucrative settlement. Nathalie, blinded by her feelings for Christophe, succumbs to his demands even as she grapples with the stakes involved.
An evening at Christophe’s chateau cascades into a night of chaos, where Sandrine and Christophe celebrate their union, only for Nathalie to once again intrude, clinging to the hope that Christophe loves her despite the evidence to the contrary. The night culminates in madness when Christophe violently rejects Nathalie, leading her to a tragic downfall.
As Sandrine prepares for her wedding night, chaos erupts into violence, revealing the dark underbelly of the power she yearns for. With her dreams unraveling, Nathalie spirals into despair, leading to a shocking climax where she confronts Christophe, only for tragedy to strike hard.
In the aftermath of a devastating turn of events, Nathalie faces justice while Sandrine unexpectedly finds herself at the helm of the corporation. Fast forward to years later when Sandrine, now a wealthy heir, encounters Nathalie, who has forged a new life in prison. Their reunion, marked by a bittersweet kiss on the cheek, signifies the end of their tumultuous journey as they part ways forever, each carrying their scars from the unresolved past.
Timeline
Nathalie and Sandrine's Plan
Nathalie, a nude dancer, and Sandrine, a bartender, decide to improve their circumstances by living together in Paris. They believe this strategic move will provide them with the opportunity to ascend the social ladder and change their lives for the better.
The Club Encounter
Their lives take a drastic turn when the club owner pressures Sandrine into a compromising situation with a customer. In a show of loyalty, Nathalie intervenes, preventing Sandrine from accepting the degrading offer, but their actions result in both of them being fired.
Eviction Fears
With their sudden unemployment, Sandrine faces the threat of eviction and struggles to pay her rent. In a generous gesture, Nathalie offers Sandrine a place in her apartment, strengthening their bond amidst adversity.
A Growing Friendship
As they settle into their shared living space, Nathalie and Sandrine develop an unconventional friendship that challenges both of their boundaries. Nathalie encourages Sandrine to explore her sexuality, leading them to some bold and daring escapades around the city.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Determined to change their financial situation, Nathalie and Sandrine secure jobs as secretaries at a prestigious bank. This new opportunity marks the beginning of a different kind of struggle as they navigate the corporate world.
The Dangerous CEO's Son
Sandrine becomes the secretary to Monsieur Delacroix, the influential co-founder of the bank, while Nathalie works in Human Resources. Both women become intrigued by Christophe, Delacroix's charming yet perilous son, leading to complications in their lives.
Manipulative Strategies
Despite Nathalie's warnings about Christophe's dangerous reputation, Sandrine is resolute in her pursuit of him. Through cunning manipulation, she manages to have Nathalie reassigned to assist Delacroix, setting the stage for unexpected encounters.
The Revelation at Dinner
A dinner at a private restaurant takes a shocking turn when Christophe reveals that Nathalie has been his mistress all along. He then surprises Sandrine by announcing his intent to marry her, claiming it will help his ailing father.
Plans for Deception
As the dinner unfolds, Christophe exposes his manipulative agenda by explaining that his marriage to Sandrine is a ruse for financial gain, while he keeps Nathalie under his control. This revelation sends Nathalie into a turmoil of conflicting emotions and self-doubt.
Chaos at the Chateau
The celebration of Sandrine and Christophe's union spirals into chaos during an evening at Christophe's chateau. Nathalie's desperate hope for Christophe's love collides with reality when he violently rejects her, leading to a heartbreaking scene of despair.
Wedding Night Violence
As Sandrine prepares for her wedding night, the reality of her ambitions slams into a violent outburst surrounding the event. This chaos reveals the dark side of the power and wealth she longs for, shattering her dreams.
Nathalie's Tragic Downfall
In a climactic confrontation, Nathalie faces Christophe, seeking answers and closure. However, the encounter leads to a devastating tragedy that alters the paths of both women forever.
Unexpected Turns of Fate
Following the tragic events, Nathalie faces her own form of justice, while Sandrine unexpectedly rises to lead the corporation. This turn of events marks a surprising shift in their lives.
Years Later Reunion
Years later, Sandrine, now a wealthy heiress, has an unexpected encounter with Nathalie, who has been living a new life in prison. Their bittersweet reunion, highlighted by a kiss on the cheek, encapsulates the scars wrought by their shared turbulent history.
Final Parting Ways
As they part ways after their emotional reunion, both women reflect on their tumultuous journeys. Each carries the weight of their past, understanding that their lives have changed irreversibly, yet their shared experiences will remain a pivotal part of their stories.
Characters
Nathalie (Coralie Revel)
Nathalie is a fierce and loyal woman working as a nude dancer who becomes an unexpected source of support for Sandrine. She embodies strength as she encourages her friend to embrace her sexuality and assert her independence, though she struggles with her feelings for Christophe. Her journey is marred by betrayal and ultimately leads to tragedy.
Sandrine (Sabrina Seyvecou)
Sandrine is an ambitious bartender who seeks to climb the social ladder despite her precarious situation. Initially naive, she becomes increasingly entangled in a web of manipulation and desire, ultimately confronting the harsh realities of her choices. Her evolution from a struggling worker to a wealthy heir presents a powerful commentary on ambition and sacrifice.
Monsieur Delacroix (Roger Mirmont)
Monsieur Delacroix is the influential co-founder of the bank where Sandrine works. He represents the powerful men in the corporate world who exploit charm and allure for their gain. His character is pivotal in illustrating the predatory nature of power dynamics in the workplace.
Christophe (Fabrice Deville)
Christophe is the charming yet dangerous son of the CEO. His complex character is defined by a string of broken relationships and a manipulative persona. His relationships with Nathalie and Sandrine serve as a catalyst for the film's central conflicts, demonstrating the dark side of charisma and charm in the pursuit of love.
Setting
Time period
The film unfolds in a contemporary setting reflecting the social dynamics of urban life. It captures the challenges faced by young women in the workforce, particularly around issues of power, sexuality, and economic stability. The story resonates with themes of ambition and the struggle for independence.
Location
Paris
The movie primarily takes place in Paris, a city known for its rich culture and vibrant nightlife. Paris is famous for its artistic heritage, iconic landmarks, and bustling bars. The urban landscape provides a backdrop for the characters' pursuit of social status and personal connections.
Themes
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme throughout the film as relationships are tested and manipulated. Nathalie's loyalty is challenged by Sandrine's ambitions, which leads to tragic consequences. The complex interplay of love and backstabbing showcases the darker side of friendship.
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Chaos
The film portrays chaos as characters navigate the tumultuous waters of love and ambition. The pursuit of power intertwines with personal relationships, leading to unexpected violence and emotional upheaval. The climax emphasizes how ambitions can lead to destructive outcomes.
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Empowerment
Empowerment is explored through the experiences of Nathalie and Sandrine as they strive for independence and financial security. Their journey reflects a quest for self-identity and challenging societal norms. The film underscores the complexities of female empowerment in a patriarchal environment.
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