Year: 2002
Runtime: 115 min
Language: French
Director: Jacques Audiard
Carla Bhem leads a quiet life as a secretary until the arrival of Paul Angeli, a charming former convict. He encourages her to question her routine and confront hidden aspects of herself. As an unexpected connection develops between them, long-held secrets surface, blurring the distinction between right and wrong. The story explores themes of morality, second chances, and the complexities of human connection.
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In the muted hum of a Parisian real‑estate office, Carla Behm moves through her days with quiet efficiency, her hearing aid and uncanny talent for reading lips the only bridges to the world that often overlooks her. Though indispensable in the scramble for property deals, she remains invisible to the predominantly male staff, her inner life a tapestry of unspoken desires and lingering loneliness. Outside work, she watches romance unfold through the vivid stories of her friend Annie, longing for a connection that remains just beyond her reach.
The routine of Carla’s measured existence is unsettled by the arrival of Paul Angeli, a charismatic former convict on parole who steps into the office under unlikely circumstances. His unconventional past and restless energy clash with Carla’s cautious predictability, prompting her to question the boundaries she has set for herself. Paul’s presence acts like a catalyst, inviting her to confront the parts of her identity she has kept hidden and to explore the ambiguous space between right and wrong.
Together they navigate a world where personal ambition, moral compromise, and the yearning for a fresh start intersect. The film balances a subdued, almost tactile realism with moments of understated tension, inviting the audience to feel the weight of everyday decisions and the subtle power of human connection. As Carla and Paul each grapple with the possibility of redemption, the story unfolds with an intimate, introspective tone that lingers long after the credits roll.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 11:24
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