"Have you resolved to indulge in some self-pampering?" Oh my, Emmanuelle... Decal Releasing has unveiled an alluring new official US trailer for the indie cinema gem titled Emmanuelle, a smoldering erotic drama deeply inspired by Emmanuelle Arsan's cherished "cult novel." While it bore cinematic fruit once before in 1974, under the same title, this adaptation presents a fresh, captivating perspective. Set to enchant VOD audiences in the US this summer, it hails from the talented Audrey Diwan, the Golden Lion-winning director behind the acclaimed Happening.
Starring the enchanting French actress Noémie Merlant, Emmanuelle embarks on a journey to Hong Kong, where she embarks on an exploration of her deepest sexual desires. Loosely woven from Arsan's novel, Diwan's film chronicles a woman's solo flight to the bustling metropolis, where business mingles with pleasure in an array of intimate encounters, notably with Kei, a mesmerizingly elusive figure. Merlant shares the screen with an illustrious ensemble including Naomi Watts, Will Sharpe, Jamie Campbell Bower, Chacha Huang, and Anthony Wong, among others.
Premiered last year amidst a swirl of anticipation, Emmanuelle received a mixed reception, with many reviews failing to see its merits despite its undeniable sensual allure. Emmanuelle (Noémie Merlant) is on a quest for forgotten pleasures, navigating the seductive landscapes of Hong Kong during a business trip. In this vibrant, global city, she embarks on a series of encounters, each more intriguing than the last, while being continuously captivated and frustrated by Kei.
Audrey Diwan's latest venture, a liberal adaptation of Arsan's novel, offers a female-centric lens into the intimate journey of a woman whose name continues to evoke one of cinema's most provocative archetypes. Directed by the esteemed French filmmaker Audrey Diwan, whose credits include Losing It and the 2021 Venice Golden Lion-winning Happening, Emmanuelle boasts a screenplay co-written by Diwan and Rebecca Zlotowsky. Produced by Reginald de Guillebon, Marion Delord, Edouard Weil, Brahim Chioua, Vincent Maraval, Livia Van Der Staay, and Laurence Clerc, the film is a collaboration between Chantelouve, Rectangle Productions, and Goodfellas.
Having made its debut at the prestigious 2024 San Sebastian Film Festival and opened in France last September, Emmanuelle is set to captivate US audiences direct-to-VOD via Decal Releasing, commencing on June 6th, 2025. Intrigued?
