About the Film

In suburban Paris, young François (Jean-Claude Drouot) appears to live a happy, contented existence with his wife, Thérèse (Claire Drouot), and their two small children. Despite his apparent satisfaction, François takes a mistress named Émilie (Marie-France Boyer), and, remarkably, doesn't feel the least bit of remorse for his philandering. While he is able to justify loving both women, François' infidelity results in tragic real-life consequences for both him and his family.

The Reviews Are In

"Varda fills her frames with riots of nature and color, like Bonnard paintings come to life, and with an erotic intimacy to match, choreographing physical passion with unabashed but formally controlled delight."

-Richard Brody, New Yorker

"Le Bonheur is a masterpiece. With one of the strongest screenplays and visual styles of all time, the film effortlessly is able to find a nuanced look at the human condition that has never been captured with the same power either before or after."

-Carson Timar, ButteredPopcorn