He Loves Me... He Loves Me Not

Angélique, portrayed by Audrey Tautou, is a talented art student who decides to express her affection by purchasing a single pink rose to send to her lover, Dr. Loïc Le Garrec, played by Samuel Le Bihan. Juggling her artistic pursuits alongside a part-time job at a café and house-sitting for a wealthy family, Angélique’s seemingly idyllic life is marred by her friend David’s disapproval of her relationship with the married Loïc. Despite David’s concerns, Angélique is convinced that Loïc will eventually leave his wife, Rachel, portrayed by Isabelle Carré for her.

Tragedy strikes when Rachel suffers a miscarriage, leading Angélique and Loïc to part ways. Angélique plans a romantic escape to Florence, but when Loïc fails to meet her at the airport, she spirals into a dark cycle of depression, ultimately jeopardizing her job and scholarship. The story takes a grim turn when Angélique discovers that Loïc has been arrested for assaulting his patient, Sonia Jasmin. Determined to win back Loïc’s affections, Angélique confronts Sonia, which inadvertently results in Sonia’s heart attack. In a desperate act to make it appear as though this was a robbery, Angélique steals from Sonia’s house, inadvertently leading to Loïc being accused of her murder.

Witnessing Loïc embrace Rachel during his arrest shatters Angélique, driving her to consider ending her life. In a poignant turn of events, the film rewinds to the moment Angélique bought the pink rose, but this time it follows the narrative from Loïc’s perspective. It is revealed that Loïc barely knows Angélique, and that their interactions have been misinterpreted. As he navigates the aftermath of Sonia’s death and his subsequent arrest as the prime suspect, it becomes clear that Rachel’s miscarriage may have roots in a more complex set of circumstances, one linked to Angélique’s earlier actions.

When Loïc is later informed of Angélique’s suicide attempt, he attempts to save her, yet as he delves deeper into her world, he uncovers her disturbing obsession with him. Their confrontation leads to a violent exchange where Angélique strikes Loïc, resulting in his injury and her arrest on charges of erotomania. Years pass, with Loïc and Rachel building a family together, while Angélique languishes in a mental institution.

Upon her release, Angélique’s therapist shows cautious optimism about her recovery. However, a shocking discovery reveals that she has hidden her medication, crafting a mosaic of Loïc using her pills, a testament to her unyielding obsession. The film concludes with a haunting quote from a real erotomaniac: > “Though my love is insane, my reason relieves the pain of the heart, telling me to be patient and not lose hope.” Thus, the tragic tale comes full circle, echoing the depths of love and despair intertwined in Angélique’s life.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:25