THE STORY – After 16 years together, François and Julie open their relationship to explore sexual adventures and self-discovery. With two kids and their bond at stake, the path proves more complex than expected.
THE CAST – Éric K. Boulianne & Catherine Chabot
THE TEAM – Éric K. Boulianne (Director/Writer) & Alexandre Auger (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 102 Minutes
Eric K. Boulianne’s “Follies” opens with an instantaneous showcase of its great sex comedy potential. François (Boulianne) and Julie (Catherine Chabot) are enjoying dinner across from an unseen couple. Suddenly, the cleanliness of rim jobs is being debated. The two are clearly taken aback, but their attempts at putting on a nonchalant face in front of company are both humorous and telling. It’s in this duality that “Follies” roots its central ideas. François and Julie have been married for 16 years with two young daughters. But they’ve now unwittingly found themselves in a discussion regarding open relationships. And while each of them may think they’re hiding their genuine thoughts from their beloved partner, that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is particularly the case for François, who attempts to convey an aura of coolness about the prospect. In reality, he’s likely buzzing with the erotic potential that comes with such a fantasy. But as is often the case, what we most desire isn’t always what’s best for us. In fact, it can cause quite a bit of turmoil as reality seeps its way into fantasy. With tinges of comedy and drama, Boulianne (who also directed and co-wrote the film) delves into various dilemmas that arise from a scenario growing increasingly common by the day.
Despite the evident love François and Julie have for one another, the two acknowledge the stale elements of their love life. After the dinner conversation regarding polyamory (which, it is important to note, was had amongst 25-year-olds who admitted to having no responsibilities), the idea of an entirely different world of sexual escapades waiting for the couple seems like an overwhelming journey. Regardless of their initial denials, it’s unquestionably weighing on the minds of both parties. So after an honest discussion with each other, trusted confidantes, and a whole lot of humorous (but necessary) boundary-setting and rule-making, the couple decides to give it a shot. And what’s the worst that could happen? Boulianne framing this film through a middle-aged couple feeling the pressure to remain “young and modern” is one of its most honest angles. This framing allows the pressures some people face in life to ring true throughout the choices that are made over the course of the film. In their own words, the two feel as if they’ve been on autopilot for some time. It feels like it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that many may feel similarly.
But “Follies” also presents this sentiment of autopilot as a comfort. In times of distress or emotional turmoil, we can often retreat to the comfort of what’s most familiar. In the case of this lead couple, it’s focusing on work and parenting. But all of a sudden, a random conversation opens up a radical possibility they never even considered as an option. “Follies” humorously uses the interrupting nature of life to mine comedic gold out of many sexual circumstances our couple finds themselves in. But this isn’t purely a sex comedy. It’s also a dramatic film in some ways, though not nearly as impactful as it might hope to be. At its very best, it’s often a deeply endearing film about the commitment we must have to making love work. This work can take many different shapes and forms, and each relationship will have its own unique solution. “Follies” importantly never judges any particular solution. It instead embraces the comforting idea that adoration and care for a partner can lead to a variety of eye-opening experiences. It’s in the earned trust and love of one another that François and Julie win over the audience despite their occasional shortcomings towards one another. This is evident in how Boulianne has each character remain deeply respectful of the other’s wishes.
One would expect a film reckoning with the effects of an open relationship not going the way both parties had hoped to possibly get mean. That’s never really the case with “Follies”. It instead feels tender throughout. These are individuals who are fighting to make it work, rather than giving into the status quo or lying to themselves or their partner. But that’s not to say both characters aren’t without their share of faults. At one point, François makes a selfish decision out of jealousy, and neither Julie nor Boulianne’s own screenplay lets the character off the hook. There’s humor in the result that unfolds, but it is also a regretful look at what emotional denial can cause us to do. Not addressing the genuine problems within ourselves can affect our actions and cause us to make decisions completely out of character. There’s a realistic self-awareness to François as a character, and Julie consistently calls him out through both impactful arguments and simple, direct statements. The film sees both characters finding the better versions of themselves, but both performers go about it in radically different ways. Both are impressive enough to ground the film with a genuine sense of realism.
For as realistic as this film is, though, Boulianne isn’t afraid to inject some stylish flair into it. In all honesty, it’s used with such great effect both comically and dramatically that audiences will likely crave more. To take it even one step further, Boulianne (clearly the cinephile based on François’ many film-related shirts) has the gall to delve fully into an extended third-act Kubrick homage. It’s so funny and so well-earned via the goodwill of the rest of the film that it impressively works wonders. The self-awareness feels like a symptom of “Follies” being committed to its truthfulness about certain circumstances.
In the driving case of this film, it’s the refusal of men to seek the truth about their emotions. Throughout its first half, François attributes many of his shortcomings and issues to dealing with long-COVID. Never making those symptoms a joke in and of themselves, it’s not until Julie calls him out for the actual cause of these issues that everything locks into place. It’s a realistic depiction of how men would rather rely on blaming a scapegoat than acknowledge issues at our core. Boulianne allows himself to be depicted as flawed, but never judged for it. Ultimately, we can only hope this couple will do what’s best for both themselves and their daughters. Through comedy both sly and abrasive, “Follies” achieves its goals, and it’s a film that is as crass and uncomfortable as it is endearing and accepting.
