Shall We Kiss? 2009
Directed by
Emmanuel Mouret
Made by
Music Box Films
Plot Summary
During a business trip to Nantes, Émilie finds herself hitching a ride with Gabriel, leading to a dinner invitation that takes an intriguing turn. When he drops her off at her hotel and leans in for a goodnight kiss, she cleverly interjects, claiming that a kiss might lead to “undesired results” and offers to elaborate on her reasoning.
Meanwhile, in Paris, Émilie’s friend Judith, who is married to Claudio, confides in her bachelor friend Nicolas about her life. One day, openly expressing his frustration about his romantic life, Nicolas reveals his longing to connect with a woman but wrestles with the concept of only pursuing someone for sexual desires. Judith playfully suggests he try a prostitute, a notion Nicolas finds daunting yet intriguing. However, this endeavor turns into a costly fiasco when the encounter spirals out of control as the girl reacts violently when he tries to kiss her. In a moment of spontaneity, Nicolas asks Judith if he could kiss her purely as a physical gesture, and surprisingly, they find themselves together in bed.
Thus begins an illicit affair that ebbs and flows over time. Even after Nicolas starts a relationship with Câline, he is unable to break his connection with Judith. As guilt looms over both of them concerning their respective partners, they hatch a plan to resolve their conscience by convincing Câline to seduce Claudio. However, their strategy backfires when Claudio inadvertently overhears their scheme and exposes it to Câline. Now, with their partners left in the dark about the true nature of the betrayal, Nicolas and Judith must confront the emotional wreckage they’ve caused to those who have done nothing to deserve such heartbreak.
Finishing her narrative, Émilie decides that she will grant Gabriel a proper goodnight kiss, under the condition that he departs quietly and refrains from ever seeking her out again.
Timeline
Émilie's Business Trip Begins
Émilie's journey starts as she travels to Nantes for a business trip. This trip sets the stage for an unexpected encounter that will complicate her romantic life.
A Ride with Gabriel
During her time in Nantes, Émilie hits a ride with Gabriel. The ride culminates in an invitation to dinner, hinting at a potential romantic connection.
The Goodnight Kiss Proposal
After dinner, Gabriel attempts to kiss Émilie goodnight. However, she skillfully sidesteps the moment, suggesting that their kiss could lead to 'undesired results' and offers to explain her viewpoint.
Judith's Confession
Meanwhile in Paris, Judith confides in her friend Nicolas about her struggles with her marriage to Claudio. She expresses her frustration and her longing for deeper emotional connections.
Nicolas's Romantic Frustrations
Nicolas reveals his own feelings of dissatisfaction and loneliness in his romantic life. He grapples with the idea of seeking out physical relationships without emotional attachment.
Judith's Provocative Suggestion
Judith jokingly suggests Nicolas should try hiring a prostitute to alleviate his frustrations. This idea leaves Nicolas feeling both apprehensive and intrigued about the prospect.
The Costly Encounter
When Nicolas attempts to follow Judith's suggestion, the encounter with the prostitute spirals into chaos. The girl reacts violently when he tries to kiss her, leaving him shocked and embarrassed.
An Unexpected Development
In a moment of spontaneity, Nicolas asks Judith for a kiss as a purely physical gesture. Surprisingly, this leads to an affair, and they find themselves in bed together, igniting a complex emotional situation.
The Illicit Affair Begins
The affair between Nicolas and Judith becomes a recurring theme in their lives. Even when Nicolas begins a relationship with Câline, he struggles to sever ties with Judith.
The Guilt Surfaces
As guilt grows for both Nicolas and Judith, they concoct a scheme to seduce Claudio in order to ease their conscience. Their plan, however, is fraught with complications.
The Scheme Falls Apart
Claudio accidentally overhears Nicolas and Judith’s plan, leading to unexpected revelations. This forces Nicolas and Judith to confront the consequences of their actions and the emotional havoc they've wreaked.
Facing the Aftermath
With their partners now aware of something amiss, Nicolas and Judith struggle with the fallout of their affair. They are left with the burden of heartbreak and confrontation with those who are innocent in the matter.
Émilie's Final Decision
In the culmination of her story, Émilie decides to grant Gabriel a proper goodnight kiss. She places one condition on this moment: he must leave quietly and never seek her out again.
Characters
Émilie
Émilie is a thoughtful and strategic woman, navigating the complexities of modern relationships. Her cleverness is evident when she avoids a kiss with Gabriel by presenting a rationale, showcasing her desire to maintain control over her romantic encounters. Throughout the film, she embodies both independence and vulnerability.
Nicolas
Nicolas is a bachelor struggling with his romantic life and the consequences of his choices. His frustration and longing drive him to explore relationships that ultimately lead to disappointment and guilt. He represents the confusion many face in balancing physical desires with emotional connections.
Judith
Judith is a married woman who seeks solace in her friendship with Nicolas. Her playful nature drives her to explore provocative ideas, leading her into an unexpected affair. Judith's character represents the complexities of wanting more while being tethered to societal expectations.
Setting
Time period
The movie appears to be set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal norms and relationship dilemmas. The characters' experiences resonate with current issues of infidelity and the complexities of romantic relationships in today's world.
Location
Nantes, Paris
The movie takes place in two iconic French cities, Nantes and Paris. Nantes is known for its rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene, while Paris is celebrated worldwide for its art, fashion, and romantic ambiance. Both cities serve as backdrops for the unfolding drama and interpersonal affairs of the characters.
Themes
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Infidelity
Infidelity is a central theme in the story, exploring the emotional turmoil caused by betrayal. Nicolas and Judith's affair highlights the consequences of desires that clash with commitments. Their actions lead to heartache not only for themselves but also for their unsuspecting partners.
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Friendship
The complex friendship between Émilie, Judith, and Nicolas is pivotal to the narrative. It showcases the fine line between friendship and romantic entanglement, complicating their relationships and leading them to make questionable choices. Ultimately, friendship is tested by secrets and deceit.
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Choices
The theme of choices permeates the film as characters grapple with their desires and responsibilities. Émilie's decision to explore the boundaries of a kiss and Nicolas's choice to engage in an affair shape the story's trajectory. Each choice leads to unforeseen consequences that impact their lives significantly.
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