Simple Passion 2022
Directed by
Danielle Arbid
Made by
Strand Releasing
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Simple Passion (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Literature professor Hélène, a divorced mother residing in the Paris suburbs with her young son, Paul, finds herself entangled in a fervent affair with the enigmatic Alexandre, a younger and married Russian diplomat stationed at the embassy. Their passionate relationship sparks from a chance encounter at a party in Porto, leading to clandestine afternoon meetings at Hélène’s home. Despite the excitement, Alexandre is often emotionally distant, meeting Hélène only when it is convenient for him and insisting she avoid contacting him, particularly during his time with his wife. Hélène’s infatuation with him deepens as she spends many solitary hours awaiting his calls, which leads her into a spiral of obsession.
Her loyal confidante, Anita, observes the precarious nature of their affair and warns Hélène that it is likely cursed from the start, given Alexandre’s commitments and impending return to Russia. Anita suggests that Hélène might be “in love with love itself.” When Alexandre conveys he’ll be away for a few weeks with his wife, Hélène reluctantly decides to take Paul on an unplanned getaway to Florence. In a moment of vulnerability, she finds herself alone in a church, shedding tears and seeking solace from a passerby.
Once back in Paris, a call from Alexandre ignites a brief yet passionate reunion; however, it quickly escalates into a disagreement when he chastises her for her attire. Even as their encounters continue, Alexandre occasionally opens up about his life, sharing details about his upbringing and revealing he resides on Tverskaya Street in Moscow. During one intimate moment, Hélène declares her love for him, yet he remains non-responsive, only furthering her emotional turmoil.
As time progresses, Alexandre reiterates his need for distance, leading Hélène to plead with him to stay, which ultimately irritates him into leaving. Following a stern talk with Anita, who criticizes Hélène for her submissive behavior, Hélène resolves to not let Alexandre in during their next encounter. However, the magnetic pull proves too strong, and they passionately embrace yet again.
In a moment of desperation, Hélène reaches out to the embassy for Alexandre, arranging to meet him in a hotel room. When he fails to appear, the disappointing news that he has returned to Moscow sends Hélène into a profound depression, leading her to neglect Paul and her work duties. The reality of her situation is further underscored by a visit from her ex-husband, who harshly reminds her of her responsibilities.
In a session with her psychiatrist, Hélène confesses a wild act of spontaneity: she had boarded a flight to Moscow for just a day, hoping to cross paths with Alexandre on Tverskaya Street. Fast forward eight months, Hélène seems to be reclaiming her life as she watches Paul play football. Suddenly, she receives a call from Alexandre, who surprises her with a visit. Eager to enjoy their time without interruption, she sends Paul off to a friend’s house to spend the night.
Following an intimate reunion, Hélène offers to drive Alexandre back to his hotel, a journey filled with a mix of hope and impending heartbreak. As they arrive, she ponders whether their passionate affair will blossom again, fearing it might be over. With a bittersweet farewell, Alexandre calling her “my love” as he heads inside, Hélène watches, tearfully bracketed by uncertainty, as he fades from her sight.
Timeline
Track the key events of Simple Passion (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Initial Encounter
Hélène, a literature professor, meets Alexandre, a married Russian diplomat, at a party in Porto. This chance encounter ignites a fervent and passionate affair between them, setting the stage for tumultuous emotions ahead.
Clandestine Meetings
Following their initial encounter, Hélène and Alexandre begin meeting secretly at her home. Their afternoons together are filled with passion, though Alexandre often remains emotionally distant, meeting her only when convenient.
Warning from Anita
Anita, Hélène’s loyal friend, observes the intense yet precarious nature of Hélène's relationship with Alexandre. She cautions Hélène about the likelihood of heartbreak, suggesting that she may be more in love with the idea of love than with Alexandre himself.
Unplanned Getaway to Florence
As Alexandre announces he will be away with his wife, Hélène decides on a whim to take her son Paul on an unplanned trip to Florence. This journey becomes a moment of reflection and despair for Hélène as she grapples with her feelings for Alexandre.
Emotional Turmoil in the Church
In Florence, Hélène finds herself alone in a church, overwhelmed with emotion. She sheds tears and seeks comfort from a passerby, highlighting her inner turmoil and longing for connection.
Passionate Reunion
Upon returning to Paris, Hélène receives a call from Alexandre, leading to a brief yet intense reunion. However, the meeting quickly escalates into a disagreement when Alexandre criticizes Hélène for her choice of clothing.
Unveiling Personal Stories
During one of their encounters, Alexandre opens up about his life back in Russia, sharing details of his upbringing. His admission that he lives on Tverskaya Street provides Hélène with glimpses of his world, deepening her infatuation.
Hélène's Pleas for Commitment
As Hélène's feelings for Alexandre grow stronger, she begins to plead for him to remain in her life. His insistence on maintaining distance frustrates her, intensifying the emotional conflict within their relationship.
Desperate Attempt to Connect
In a moment of desperation, Hélène contacts the embassy in hopes of meeting Alexandre in a hotel room. When he fails to show, the news of his return to Moscow shatters her, pushing her into a deep depression.
Visit from Ex-Husband
Hélène's ex-husband visits, reminding her of her responsibilities as a mother and forcing her to confront the neglect of her son, Paul, and her work. This encounter starkly contrasts her emotional state and prompts a reassessment of her choices.
Unplanned Trip to Moscow
During a session with her psychiatrist, Hélène confesses that she impulsively flew to Moscow for a day, hoping to unexpectedly meet Alexandre. This decision underscores her spiraling obsession and longing for him.
Signs of Moving On
Eight months later, Hélène appears to be reclaiming her life, enjoying quality time watching Paul play football. This sense of normalcy is abruptly interrupted by an unexpected phone call from Alexandre.
Reunion and Uncertainty
After an unexpected visit from Alexandre, Hélène eagerly prepares to spend the night together, sending Paul away to a friend’s house. Yet, as they reunite intimately, underlying fears about the future of their relationship linger.
Bittersweet Farewell
After sharing an intimate evening, Hélène drives Alexandre back to his hotel, filled with mixed emotions. As he leaves her with a tender farewell, referring to her as 'my love,' Hélène is left with uncertainty about their future.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Simple Passion (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Hélène (Laetitia Dosch)
Hélène is a literature professor and a divorced mother, whose deep longing for love drives her into a passionate yet tumultuous relationship with Alexandre. Her character experiences profound emotional shifts, often battling between affection and despair as she navigates her obsession. Despite her intelligence, her dependency on Alexandre blinds her to the detrimental effects of their dynamic.
Alexandre (Sergei Polunin)
Alexandre is a married Russian diplomat whose enigmatic nature captivates Hélène while simultaneously creating emotional distance between them. Although he shares brief intimate moments, his reluctance to fully open up leaves Hélène yearning for more. His character embodies the conflict between duty and desire, ultimately unraveling Hélène's emotional stability.
Anita (Caroline Ducey)
Anita is Hélène's loyal friend, providing a voice of reason and caution amidst Hélène's chaotic emotional journey. She serves as a grounding presence, challenging Hélène to reconsider her choices and the nature of her relationship with Alexandre. Her insights shed light on the realities of love and dependency, urging Hélène to seek self-empowerment.
Paul (Lou-Teymour Thion)
Paul, Hélène's young son, symbolizes innocence and the emotional stakes of Hélène's choices. His presence serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities Hélène neglects in her pursuit of happiness. As a character, he highlights the impact of adult relationships on children, amplifying the emotional conflict in Hélène's life.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Simple Passion (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The timeline fluctuates between present-day experiences and significant emotional milestones in Hélène's turbulent love life. The characters navigate contemporary societal norms regarding relationships and infidelity, reflecting modern complexities in emotional connections.
Location
Paris, Porto, Florence, Moscow
The movie traverses several vibrant locations, including Paris, the bustling heart of France, known for its art and culture; Porto, a picturesque city in Portugal famous for its wine and riverside views; Florence, a city steeped in Renaissance art and history; and Moscow, Russia's capital, characterized by its rich history and iconic architecture like the Kremlin.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Simple Passion (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Obsession
The theme of obsession plays a pivotal role in Hélène's life, driving her to disregard her responsibilities and personal well-being in the pursuit of her infatuation with Alexandre. This reckless pursuit of romantic love leads to a spiral of emotional turmoil, as Hélène grapples with the dichotomy of desire and reality, emphasizing the unhealthy sides of passion.
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Time and Distance
The narrative highlights the significant impact of time and distance in relationships, particularly through Alexandre's elusive nature and Hélène's longing. This theme underscores the emotional struggles of maintaining a connection when circumstances constantly shift, illuminating the heartache of waiting and the pain of separation.
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Self-Discovery
As the story unfolds, Hélène embarks on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately leads her to reflect on her choices and emotional dependencies. Through interactions with her confidante Anita and her own introspective moments, Hélène begins to confront the reality of her life, showcasing the importance of recognizing one's worth and the danger of losing oneself in obsessive love.
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