French actress-writer-director Noémie Merlant has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest talents. Since her breakthrough performance in Céline Sciamma’s 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire,' Merlant has consistently demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences with her powerful screen presence. From her role in Zoé Wittock’s daring drama 'Jumbo' to her César-winning turn in Louis Garrel’s 'The Innocent,' the 36-year-old has built a filmography defined by bold, thought-provoking choices.
Following her international recognition for her role in Todd Field’s 'Tár,' Merlant has continued to make waves. This year, she starred in Audrey Diwan’s 'Emmanuelle,' a modern take on the 1970s erotic classic, and made her second foray into directing with 'Les femmes au balcon' (The Balconettes), which premiered at Cannes. Set during a heatwave in Marseille, the film blends comedy and horror to create a socially-conscious hybrid that serves as a perfect midnight movie, offering a wild yet meaningful ride.
In 'The Balconettes,' Merlant directs and stars alongside Souheila Yacoub and Sandra Codreanu as flatmates whose lives take a dark turn after a late-night encounter with a charming neighbor (played by Lucas Bravo). The film delves into themes of friendship, sisterhood, and the #MeToo movement, addressing the daily struggles women face. Euronews Culture sat down with Merlant to discuss her directorial sophomore effort, her career, and the evolving landscape of representation in cinema.
Merlant revealed that the idea for 'The Balconettes' stemmed from her own experiences. After feeling suffocated in her personal life, she sought refuge with friends, including Sandra Codreanu, who also stars in the film. The #MeToo movement played a significant role in her awakening, prompting her to externalize her experiences through the film. She collaborated with Céline Sciamma, her director from 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire,' on the screenplay, which blends humor and horror to tackle serious societal issues.
The film’s use of genre conventions, particularly in its horror elements, allows for a deeper exploration of its themes. Merlant explained that genre cinema provides a liberating space to push boundaries and address societal ills. She also emphasized the importance of humor in discussing serious topics, describing it as a defense mechanism that allows for more open dialogue.
Merlant’s portrayal of complex female characters in 'The Balconettes' challenges traditional archetypes. She subverts expectations by leaning into stereotypes before subverting them, creating a narrative that celebrates the diversity and strength of women. The film’s treatment of female desire and sexuality reflects Merlant’s ongoing exploration of these themes in her work.
Looking ahead, Merlant is set to star in Pietro Marcello’s 'Duse,' where she will speak Italian for the first time. She is also writing her next film, an ambitious adaptation of the novel 'Sporus,' set in Nero’s Rome. Despite the challenges of securing funding for such a project, Merlant is determined to bring this unique story to life.
'The Balconettes' hits theaters this week, offering audiences a bold and entertaining film that also serves as a powerful commentary on contemporary society.
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