Folichonneries (Follies) (2025) by Eric K. Boulianne: An Ode to Modern Love

Short Summary: A Marriage Unlocked

After 16 years and two children, François and Julie find their marriage lacking intimacy. To rekindle their connection and explore themselves, they decide to open up their relationship. Their journey into sexual adventures becomes a complex and challenging path, forcing them to confront their personal boundaries and the stability of their bond.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37537634/

Link Review: https://journeyintocinema.com/follies-review/

About movie: https://www.totem-films.com/films/1694/

Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/follies

Detailed Summary: The Complexities of Openness

• The film, with a runtime of 101 minutes, is the feature film directorial debut of Eric K. Boulianne, who also stars as François.

• The story centers on François and Julie, a married couple who have been together for 16 years and are raising two children in Montreal.

• Facing a lack of sexual intimacy and a sense of routine, they make the difficult decision to engage in an open relationship. This choice is framed not as a way to end their marriage, but as a path to "sexual follies" that will allow them to learn more about themselves and potentially reignite their passion for each other.

• However, as the title and plot suggest, their attempt at non-monogamy is filled with unexpected challenges, comedic mishaps, and emotional complexities. The film explores the messy reality of their experiment as they navigate the rules, jealousy, and unexpected feelings that arise.

• The film is a comedy that tackles the very real and sensitive issues of modern relationships, identity, and the meaning of love and commitment in a non-traditional setting.

Director's Vision: The Comedy of Modern Relationships

• In his directorial note, Eric K. Boulianne states that he made the film because it seemed like "every couple around me was in an open relationship."

• His vision was not to create "an exhaustive moral study on non-monogamy," but rather "a reflection on the modern couple and an ode to love." He aims to explore these themes with humor and honesty, showing the comedic and chaotic side of their journey without passing moral judgment.

• The film is part of a new wave of Canadian cinema that is willing to explore contemporary social issues with a fresh, direct, and often funny perspective.

Themes: Intimacy, Self-Discovery, and Modern Commitment

• The Search for Intimacy: The core of the film is the couple's struggle to maintain intimacy after a long-term relationship. The open relationship is an unconventional solution to a universal problem, raising questions about whether sexual exploration can truly fix a deeper emotional disconnect.

• Self-Discovery: By engaging in "sexual follies," both François and Julie are on a journey of personal growth. The film explores how they discover new things about themselves and their desires, which may or may not align with their expectations.

• Redefining Commitment: The film directly addresses the modern challenge of redefining what commitment means. It questions whether monogamy is the only way to sustain a loving family and examines the complexities that arise when partners seek fulfillment outside their primary relationship.

Key success factors: Promising Cast and Bold Premise

• A New Voice in Canadian Cinema: As Eric K. Boulianne's feature directorial debut, the film has generated significant buzz. His experience as a writer and actor suggests a strong command of character and dialogue.

• Bold and Relevant Premise: The film's willingness to explore the topic of open relationships in a comedic format makes it unique and timely. The premise is directly relevant to a younger, more fluid generation and will appeal to audiences interested in modern relationship dynamics.

• Strong Cast: The film stars Eric K. Boulianne and Catherine Chabot in the lead roles, with a supporting cast that includes well-known actors in Quebec cinema. Their chemistry and comedic timing will be central to the film's success.

Awards and Nominations: A Promising Festival Premiere

• The film had its world premiere in the "Filmmakers of the Present Competition" section of the prestigious 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 10, 2025. It vied for the Golden Leopard, which is a major international recognition for a first feature film.

• The film's inclusion in this high-profile festival is a strong indicator of its quality and potential for critical acclaim.

Critics Reception: A Refreshing and Witty Take on Modern Love

• Journey Into Cinema: The film is hailed as "one of the sharpest, most observant, and consistently hilarious comedies of the year." The review praises the film for its successful blend of comedy and genuine emotional depth, highlighting the "real magic" of the chemistry between the lead actors, Éric K. Boulianne and Catherine Chabot. The critic also commends Boulianne's confident direction in his feature debut, noting that everything "just clicks."

• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): The festival's official description calls the film a "raucous yet warm-hearted comedy." This summary highlights the film's big-hearted approach to complex relationships and its ability to be both frank and funny on the subject of sex. It suggests that despite the humorous premise, the film's most revealing moments are its insights into love, commitment, and honesty.

Critics Reception Summary

The initial critical response to Folichonneries (Follies) is very positive. Critics praise it as a sharp, well-written, and emotionally resonant comedy that offers a fresh perspective on a familiar subject. The film is recognized for its strong performances, particularly the believable chemistry between the two leads, and for a directorial debut that shows remarkable confidence and skill.

Reviews: A Laugh-Out-Loud and Tender Examination of an Open Marriage

• Wikipedia: Provides factual information on the film's festival premieres and accolades, including a nomination for the Golden Leopard – Filmmakers of the Present at the Locarno Film Festival. The Wikipedia page serves as a valuable source for confirming key details like the film's director, cast, and its world premiere. It also lists its nomination, which is an early indicator of critical recognition.

• MUBI: The film's synopsis on MUBI describes it as a story about a couple who "can no longer connect intimately" and decide to open their relationship to "engage in sexual follies that will allow them to learn more about themselves." While not a critical review, this synopsis accurately reflects the film's premise, which is the central point of discussion in many reviews.

Reviews Summary

Reviews and descriptions of Folichonneries (Follies) consistently highlight its blend of comedy and drama. The film is seen as a clever exploration of modern love, using the premise of an open relationship to delve into deeper questions about intimacy, trust, and personal identity. The overall consensus is that the film is a successful and well-executed character study.

Theatrical Release: A Festival Premiere

The film had its world premiere at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 10, 2025.

Why to recommend movie: For a Modern, Thoughtful Comedy

• A Unique Take on a Timely Topic: If you're interested in stories about modern love and relationships, this film provides a fresh and humorous perspective on open relationships that is rarely seen on screen.

• A New Voice to Discover: This is a promising directorial debut from Eric K. Boulianne, a rising talent in Canadian cinema.

• A Blend of Humor and Heart: The film promises to be both a laugh-out-loud comedy and a deeply honest look at what it takes to make a long-term relationship work.

Movie Trend: The Relationship Comedy-Drama

The film aligns with the growing trend of relationship comedy-dramas that use humor to explore the complex, messy realities of modern partnerships. This genre often features a quirky, specific premise to delve into universal human truths about intimacy, communication, and emotional growth.

Social Trend: The Redefinition of Monogamy

The movie directly engages with the social trend of redefining monogamy. As more people question traditional relationship structures, films like Folichonneries provide a cultural reflection of these evolving norms. It explores the challenges and potential rewards of living in a world that is less rigid about love and commitment.

Final Verdict: A Promising and Relevant Debut

Folichonneries is a promising and highly relevant film that courageously tackles a complex modern topic with a comedic touch. Its selection for the Locarno Film Festival's main competition speaks volumes about its quality and potential impact. With an intriguing premise and a fresh directorial voice, the film is poised to be a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of love, sexuality, and the meaning of family in the 21st century.