In this alternate reality, Tom on his 25th birthday is to pick out his soulmate by her voice alone. Twenty women who are also marking their 25th birthdays read poetry and he chooses one voice. How grotesque for the women, who don't choose or refuse.

French film is renowned for being ruled by philosophy. What is this philosophy, that women exist for the sole fulfillment of men?

Moving on, Tom now sets off to find his partner by her voice alone. Aided by a specialized detective, they locate Lea. But he's not satisfied and essentially rejects her, creating in his head his ideal mate Jeanne.

For all its appeal, conveyed through breathless and frantic performances, and some interesting lensing, the dark cloud that hangs over this film is its positioning of women as subject to male approval and selection. How about a world where men wear crotchless pants leaving their genitals exposed and they are judged by women without being allowed to speak?

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

As tradition requires, on his 25th birthday, Tom must choose the girl of his dreams, eyes shut, by the sound of her voice alone.

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"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

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