‘Three Friends’ Review: A French Film Weaving Light Affairs into a Loose Narrative

In “Three Friends,” a character coolly remarks that love is fleeting, capturing a sentiment that could dismantle many traditional love stories. Emmanuel Mouret’s latest film, showcased at the Venice Film Festival, explores this theme with a charmingly dry comedic touch, delving into the romantic and emotional dilemmas of three Lyonnais women in their forties.

The film, which intertwines the lives of two married women and one single woman, reflects Mouret’s ongoing fascination with contemporary relationship dynamics. His work, marked by a consistent approach since his 2000 debut “Laissons Lucie faire!” and including the historical drama “Lady J,” remains within familiar territory, yet it offers a satisfying, mature viewing experience.

The film’s visual style and narrative structure echo Woody Allen’s influence, particularly in its jazz-infused soundtrack and typographic choices reminiscent of Allen’s films. Like Allen, Mouret crafts a narrative of intertwining affairs and personal conflicts, drawing superficial parallels to Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters.” However, Mouret’s approach remains more surface-level, focusing on character interactions without deep exploration of their inner lives.

The story is narrated by Victor (Vincent Macaigne), a devoted but increasingly unfulfilled husband. His wife Joan (India Hair) finds herself disenchanted with their marriage, and despite Victor’s mature attempts at understanding, his response oscillates between acceptance and anguish.

Joan confides in Alice (Camille Cottin), her friend who maintains a dispassionate view of marriage, while Alice’s husband, Eric (Grégoire Ludig), is involved in an affair with Rebecca (Sara Forestier), a friend of both women. As Joan contemplates her future, Alice’s own emotional stability is tested.

Mouret and co-writer Carmen Leroi capture the essence of modern relationship dynamics among urban professionals. Despite the predictability of the plot, the film offers insightful, humorous observations on marital infidelity and its social implications.

While the characters and their situations may not break new ground, Mouret’s deft direction ensures the film is engaging and smoothly executed, complemented by a subtle musical score and understated cinematography. “Three Friends” embodies a steady, if unremarkable, exploration of love and relationships, maintaining Mouret’s reputation for thoughtful, conversational comedies.