The 72nd San Sebastian Film Festival kicked off with a highly anticipated screening of Emmanuelle, directed by Audrey Diwan. Known for her award-winning abortion drama Happening, which clinched the prestigious Golden Lion at Venice in 2021, Diwan has returned to the screen after a three-year hiatus. Her decision to adapt Emmanuelle Arsan's iconic erotic novel, however, has been met with surprising criticism, as major outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Screen Daily, and IndieWire have not held back in their harsh reviews.
The film's premise remains faithful to the controversial roots of its source material. Starring Noémie Merlant (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) in the titular role, alongside Naomi Watts, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Will Sharpe, Emmanuelle follows a woman's sexual journey through various encounters. The novel, and its 1970s cinematic adaptations, became synonymous with softcore pornography—a genre Diwan boldly revisits.
Yet, despite the high expectations surrounding its premiere, the response has been overwhelmingly negative. Rejected by Cannes and Venice before landing at San Sebastian, Emmanuelle has not found favor with critics, who panned its execution and thematic exploration. Critics lamented the film's inability to transcend the lurid history of its predecessors, despite Diwan's notable directorial pedigree.
It's a sharp contrast to the success of Happening, and many are left questioning Diwan's motivations. Was the allure of delving into an infamous erotic franchise too tempting? Or was it a risky artistic move that simply didn't land?
For now, the film, which premiered on September 22, 2024, seems destined to fall short of the impact of its predecessor, leaving Emmanuelle a controversial, yet ultimately disappointing entry in Diwan's growing oeuvre.
It’s surprising to see Audrey Diwan, fresh off the acclaim of Happening, take on a project like Emmanuelle. I was expecting something deeper from her, but it seems like this one missed the mark with critics. Maybe it’s the material that’s too tough to elevate? Either way, I’m still curious to see how it plays out on screen.