Leaving

The film opens with Suzanne, an English woman, feeling trapped in her marriage to her French husband, Samuel. She begins to deeply desire emancipation from the confines of her affluent life, setting the stage for her transformative journey.

Suzanne's life takes a pivotal turn when she hires Ivan, an ex-convict, to build an office for her physiotherapy practice. Their encounter sparks an intense physical and emotional chemistry that ignites Suzanne’s longing for freedom.

In a beautifully shot scene, Suzanne and Ivan share their first kiss, symbolizing the awakening of her desires. The ambiguity of the moment lingers in the air, leaving both the characters and the audience unsettled.

Following her first kiss with Ivan, Suzanne goes home and lies in bed next to her husband, Samuel, still unable to find solace. Instead of finding peace, she grapples with her conflicting emotions and the reality of her marriage.

Suzanne's initial portrayal is of a woman lost in her own body, lacking balance between mind and self. Her physical transformation begins as she sheds her previous identity and starts embodying her newfound desires.

Upon discovering Suzanne's betrayal, Samuel erupts in uncontrollable rage, reducing Suzanne to a mere possession. This powerful confrontation shatters any remaining civility in their relationship, revealing the deep cracks in their marriage.

Suzanne's affair with Ivan complicates her social standing as she begins to challenge the class boundaries imposed upon her. This act of defiance comes at a cost, as she must navigate the implications of her choices on her bourgeois lifestyle.

As tensions between Suzanne and Samuel escalate, a fierce battle over her independence ensues. Samuel's attempts to control her escalate, revealing the corrosive nature of their broken marriage and his desperation to maintain dominance.

Suzanne's decision to pursue her desires comes with significant consequences, entangling her further in the economic oppression of the world around her. She realizes that she is caught in a web spun by financial powers beyond her control.

In the culmination of their passionate affair, Suzanne and Ivan find themselves fleeing together, now fugitives of society. Their escape represents not only a physical flight from Samuel but also an awakening to the beauty and freedom of the natural world around them.

As they bask in their freedom, the distant wails of police sirens remind them of the consequences that follow their choices. This haunting sound stands as a metaphor for their precarious situation and the ever-present shadows of authority.

The journey Suzanne undertakes leads her toward a significant personal transformation and a deeper understanding of herself. Through her encounters with Ivan, she champions erotic self-discovery amidst the chaos of her relational struggles.

The film serves as a poignant critique of patriarchal structures that attempt to dictate woman’s identity and desires. Suzanne’s rebellion against Samuel’s oppressive behavior symbolizes a broader commentary on women's fight for autonomy.

The story reflects D.H. Lawrence's themes of unification of mind and body, presenting a modern adaptation of this classic narrative. Catherine Corsini skillfully intertwines these themes with contemporary social issues, enriching the film's depth.

In the end, Suzanne comes to a profound realization about the essence of her own life force. Embracing both her mind and body, she steps into her future with newfound confidence and independence, liberated from her past.