If you were a kid growing up in the ’90s and you had Showtime or Skinemax, you probably have heard of Emmanuelle. Unfortunately, the version you knew, likely the terrible Krista Allen-led Emmanuelle in Space movies, is far from what the franchise is best recognized for. First released in 1974 and starring the gorgeous Sylvia Kristel, Emmanuelle was the first in a series of erotic film adaptations of Emmanuelle Arsan’s book. Like the novel, the X-rated movie pushed the boundaries of French cinema and became a smash hit. Last year, a new reboot reviving the sexual trailblazer premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival, and now it’s coming to VOD next week.
The new Emmanuelle stars Noémie Merlant, known for her acclaimed performances in Portrait of a Lady On Fire, The Innocent, and Tár. In true Emmanuelle fashion, the story centers on an erotic journey and search for pleasure, this time in Hong Kong. What sets this film apart from the rest is that it’s entirely driven by women, including director Audrey Diwan (Happening) who co-wrote the screenplay with Planetarium filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski.
Also in the cast are Naomi Watts, The White Lotus breakout Will Sharpe, Stranger Things‘ Jamie Campbell Bower, Chacha Huang, and Anthony Wong.
SYNOPSIS: Will Sharpe, Noémie Merlant, and Naomi Watts star in the sultry tale of one woman’s search for lost pleasure. While on business in Hong Kong Emmanuelle meets Kei, a man who constantly eludes her. Though she indulges in the many alluring distractions the city has to offer, she can’t shake their chance encounter. Will she submit to her basest desires to forge a deeper relationship? Audrey Diwan’s film, freely adapted from Emmanuelle Arsan’s novel, casts a female gaze on the intimate quest of the woman whose name still evokes one of cinema’s most provocative characters.
Emmanuelle hits VOD on June 6th from DECAL Releasing.
