Paris, 13th District

Jacques Audiard's modern love story does not begin with people, but with cool facades: the camera slowly glides along the windows of the unromantic residential towers of Paris's Olympiades district (original title: “Les Olympiades”) in the 13th arrondissement. Behind every window lies a destiny, as the film's opening suggests. While searching for a roommate, Émilie (Lucie Zhang) meets high school teacher Camille (Makita Samba). Their exciting affair lasts two weeks, then the commitment-phobic man moves out again and meets shy law student Nora (Noémie Merlant). She, in turn, is attracted to cam girl Amber (Jehnny Beth). Three girls and one boy. They are friends, sometimes lovers, often both. Jacques Audiard's couples are often characterized by their contrasts (“The Taste of Skin and Bones,” “Emilia Pérez”). His ninth feature film is based on the short stories of New York comic artist Adrian Tomine, which are considered unfilmable due to their lack of drama. The result is a serene, romantic, yet passionate love story that was invited to compete at Cannes and received five César nominations.