Chloé Robichaud's "Two Women": A Remake Struggles to Find Its Voice

Chloé Robichaud’s "Two Women" is a remake of the 1970 French-Canadian sex comedy "Deux Femmes en Or." The film follows two unsatisfied women, Florence (Karine Gonthier-Hyndman) and Violette (Laurence Leboeuf), who live in a suburban condo development. Violette, recently a mother, grapples with her husband Benoît's (Félix Moati) infidelities, while Florence, in a stagnant relationship with David (Mani Soleymanlou), seeks to rediscover her wild side after stopping her antidepressants. The narrative unfolds as the two women form a friendship and engage in sexual escapades with various men while their partners are away.

The Guardian

Critics have described "Two Women" as a film that has not aged well, labeling it as "silly, clumsy, and dated." The sex scenes, intended to be provocative, are criticized for lacking the necessary sensuality to be considered erotic, while also failing to deliver the emotional depth expected in dramatic storytelling. The film has been compared to the "Confessions of a Window Cleaner" series, suggesting a disconnect between its serious themes and its execution.

The Guardian

One of the film's more intriguing moments includes a discussion on the impact of dating apps like Tinder, which is portrayed as promoting addiction rather than fostering genuine connections. This commentary, however, is overshadowed by the film's overall mediocrity and the awkwardness of its narrative.

The Guardian

The film has faced significant criticism for its portrayal of female sexuality and relationships. Reviewers have pointed out that the attempts at humor and drama often fall flat, leading to a viewing experience that is described as "tiring." The juxtaposition of cynical and naive elements in the film has left audiences questioning its intended message.

The Guardian

While specific official responses to the film have not been detailed in the sources, the general sentiment among critics suggests a lack of enthusiasm for Robichaud's latest work. The film's reception indicates that it may not resonate with contemporary audiences, particularly those seeking more nuanced portrayals of women's experiences.

The Guardian

• “The resulting sex scenes feel weirdly both cynical and naive: not quite sexy enough to count as softcore erotica, nor real enough to be in any way plausible as drama.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “But really this is a very tiring and mediocre film.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

"Two Women" attempts to navigate complex themes of female desire and dissatisfaction but ultimately struggles to deliver a compelling narrative. The film's reception highlights the challenges of remaking a classic and the importance of evolving storytelling to resonate with modern audiences.

The Guardian