The Balconettes

Writer Nicole lives in an apartment in heat-ridden Marseille. She is suffering from writer's block, struggling to continue her debut novel. Her roommate and best friend Ruby is her complete opposite: a stylish online sex worker who sleeps with whomever she wants, whenever she wants. The two are unexpectedly visited by a third friend, Elise, a gorgeous drama queen and a frustrated actress who has run away not only from the film set but from her husband as well.

The three friends enjoy their time in the sun on their balcony, watching and gossiping about the neighbors, until they catch a glimpse of a handsome man who lives right across the street. When he invites them over, the fun suddenly turns into a bloodbath. Then a real test of solidarity between friends ensues, reminiscent of Pedro Almodóvar's early vivid films about women on the verge of a nervous breakdown who decide to avenge the wrongs done to them by men.

This punkish fairy tale, an uncompromising, grotesque, surreal horror-comedy with fantastical elements, was directed by the renowned French actress Noémie Merlant (Paris, 13th District) and co-written with director Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire). Evidently, this time, the two filmmakers decided to have some fun. According to Merlant, comedy and satire are mighty weapons. In this film, you will find references not only to Almodóvar, but also Alfred Hitchcock and Julia Ducournau.