Simple Passion

Simple Passion is a 2020 erotic drama film written and directed by Danielle Arbid, based on the 1992 autobiographical novel of the same name by Annie Ernaux. The plot follows a divorced university professor (Lætitia Dosch) who begins an intense affair with a younger, married diplomat (Sergei Polunin). The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 19 September 2020 as part of the Industry Selects program. It was released theatrically on 11 August 2021 in France by Pyramide Distribution and in Belgium by O'Brother Distribution. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who criticised Arbid's screenplay, Polunin's performance and the soundtrack, but praised Dosch's performance and the cinematography. Plot Literature professor and divorced mother Hélène lives in the Paris suburbs with her preteen son, Paul. She begins a passionate affair with Alexandre, a younger, married Russian diplomat stationed at the Russian Embassy that she met at a party in Porto. The two regularly meet for afternoon trysts at her house. Alexandre, who is usually cold and evasive, only visits Hélène when it suits him and instructs her to never contact him, especially when he goes away to spend time with his wife. She often finds herself waiting to hear from him, and over time, she becomes increasingly obsessed with him. Hélène's best friend and confidant, Anita, believes that their affair is doomed to fail, since Alexandre is married and will return to Russia, while suggesting that Hélène is "in love with love itself". When Alexandre announces he will be away for a few weeks with his wife, Hélène takes a reluctant Paul on an impromptu trip to Florence. While visiting a church alone, she cries and is consoled by a stranger. Back in Paris, Hélène receives a call from Alexandre, asking to meet. After sex, they have a brief argument when he berates her for wearing a short skirt.