THE LIGHTER SIDE

The Nature of Love

Simple comme Sylvain

MONIA CHOKRI
Canada, France, 2023
110 minutes, Color

The Nature of Love is an entertaining and biting romantic comedy that tackles class differences and infidelity. Sophia is a posh fortysomething French-Canadian professor involved in a long-term, intellectually-stimulating but sexually tepid relationship with her partner, Xavier. She crosses paths with Sylvain, the strapping, plaid-adorned contractor tasked with fixing up the couple's country home, and libidinous sparks fly. Despite her well-prepared lectures on love and desire according to Plato, Schopenhauer, Spinoza, and Bell Hooks, Sophia is now well out of her depth and plunges into uncharted emotional waters. With its deft dashes of conflict, The Nature of Love is part social commentary, part love story culminating in an irresistible sentimental comedy. The third feature from Quebecois actor, writer, and director Monia Chokri, premiered at last year's Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section.—Various sources

In French with English subtitles