Well-known French director Emmanuel Mouret brings a far-from-unique but engaging story about love and adultery in his latest film, "Three Friends". The film intricately unravels the emotional complexities among three friends in Lyon, all around 40 - two are married and one's single, each missing fulfillment from their respective lives. Mouret, who debuted with “Laissons Lucie faire!” in 2000, has been successfully tapping into the intricacies of contemporary relationships, securing the best French acting talent. Despite being celebrated in his home country, he has intermittently garnered international fame.
"Three Friends", bearing semblance with Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters", delicately handles affairs and betrayals within a close female trio. The plot revolves around high school English teacher Joan (India Hair) growing tired of her devoted husband Victor's (Vincent Macaigne) unwavering affection, leading to her falling out of love. Alice (Camille Cottin) listens, being detached from her own husband Eric (Grégoire Ludig) for years. Unknown to Alice, Eric has been having an affair with their unmarried friend Rebecca (Sara Forestier).
Mouret, along with Carmen Leroi, expertly paints a picture of modern relationship dynamics, revealing the hypocrisies that often accompany flexible marital boundaries. While each sub-plot reaches a predictable conclusion, there are insightful observations on love and relationships. The film misses out on intense character portrayals that would shift it from being amusing to moving but compensates with actors hitting their comedic marks. "Three Friends" does not carry many surprises but glides through with ease, serving a candid portrayal of modern relationships.
