A Couch in New York

A Couch in New York

Year: 1996

Runtime: 108 mins

Language: French

Director: Chantal Akerman

RomanceComedy

Dr. Henry Harriston, a successful New York psychoanalyst on the brink of a breakdown, swaps apartments with Beatrice Saulnier, a French woman he has never met. Overnight, each becomes immersed in the other's life: Henry is assaulted by Beatrice's lover, while Beatrice is mistaken for his therapist by his patients, leading to romantic mishaps.

A Couch in New York (1996) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at A Couch in New York (1996) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the restless heart of Manhattan, Henry Harriston works as a well‑established psychoanalyst whose reputation is built on listening to the tangled confessions of his patients. Beneath the surface of his polished, high‑tech loft, however, the constant stream of midnight phone calls and the weight of his own unresolved anxieties push him toward a quiet unraveling. The city’s sleek interiors and his methodical routine create a world that feels both controlled and claustrophobic, setting the stage for a yearning that cannot be satisfied by analysis alone.

Across the ocean, Beatrice Saulnier is a free‑spirited Parisian dancer whose life is a vibrant collage of movement, music, and a modestly cramped apartment that reflects her artistic chaos. When a whimsical ad for an apartment swap lands in her inbox, she sees an opportunity for a brief escape from her own routine. The contrast between her lived‑in, intimate space and Henry’s immaculate New York loft is striking, and the chance to inhabit an entirely different environment promises both novelty and subtle disorientation.

The exchange sets off an unlikely dialogue between two strangers whose lives intersect through walls, voices, and the lingering presence of each other’s habits. As Henry steps into the gritty charm of Beatrice’s neighborhood and she navigates the polished corridors of his practice, their worlds collide in a series of gentle, far‑c‑the‑light mishaps that tease the boundaries between professional distance and personal longing. The film balances wry humor with a tender undercurrent, inviting viewers to wonder how far two people will let curiosity and quiet attraction guide them when the ordinary suddenly feels extraordinary.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:41

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Movies about life swaps and mistaken identity like A Couch in New York

Stories where characters trade places, leading to charming chaos and self-discovery.If you liked the charming premise of A Couch in New York, you'll enjoy these other movies about life swaps and mistaken identity. This thread gathers romantic comedies and lighthearted dramas where trading places leads to comedic mishaps, personal growth, and unexpected love.

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The narrative typically begins with an impulsive decision or a case of mistaken identity that plunges the protagonist into a new life. The core of the story is a series of comedic encounters as they try to maintain the facade, often leading to romantic entanglements and a journey of self-discovery that culminates in a happy resolution where the truth brings everyone closer.

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These movies are grouped together because they share a central, whimsical premise of identity play. They balance lighthearted humor with a gentle, romantic core, offering a feel-good experience where the chaos of pretending leads to genuine connection and happiness.

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Gentle romantic stories where the biggest conflict is a misunderstanding of the heart.Fans of the gentle, charming vibe of A Couch in New York will find more movies to love in this thread. We've gathered similar lighthearted romantic comedies with low stakes, whimsical tones, and happy endings that focus on the joy of connection.

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Narrative Summary

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These films are united by their consistently light emotional weight, whimsical tone, and low-intensity conflicts. They offer a comforting and predictable narrative pattern centered on romance and gentle comedy, making them ideal for viewers seeking an undemanding, cheerful experience.

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A Couch in New York Summary

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