Movies: Différente (2025) by Lola Doillon: When Saying “Different” Becomes Liberation
- dailyentertainment95
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Woman Discovers Her Voice
Katia, a 35-year-old documentary researcher, leads a life marked by interpersonal chaos—repeated breakups, a troubled relationship with her boyfriend Fred, and an under-resourced workplace. When she is assigned to cover autism care in France for a new report—and even steps in for a journalist away on assignment—she meets an expert (played by real-life autism advocate Julie Dachez). This exposure, and the insightful conversations that follow, prompt Katia to confront and articulate the way she experiences the world: as someone neurodivergent. Her emerging self-awareness changes not only how she sees herself, but how others see her; navigating diagnosis, misunderstanding, and validation, Katia embarks on a journey toward acceptance.
Why to Recommend This Film: Romantic Comedy That Respects Difference
Why to watch this movie:
Breaks new ground in French rom-com — Merges introspective emotional drama with conventional romantic comedy beats, while centering a neurodivergent female protagonist.
Jehnny Beth’s complex lead turn — The musician-actor brings both vulnerability and steely resolve to Katia, giving the film emotional gravity.
Sensitive representation of autism — Examines autism in women with nuance; includes authentic contributors like Julie Dachez and Fabienne Cazalis (cognitive science researcher) in acting and consultation roles.
Relevance and empathy — Addresses themes such as late diagnosis, masking, prejudice, and personal freedom in professional and intimate settings.
Accessible pacing and style — With a runtime of around 100 minutes, it’s emotionally engaging without dragging, and approachable for mainstream audiences.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/differente (France)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34487780/
What is the Trend Followed: Neurodiversity Enters Mainstream Romance
Expanding representation — Joins a growing wave of films and series exploring neurodiversity, especially autism in adults, and increasingly in women.
Romantic comedy meets social drama — Blends a genre known for lightheartedness with weighty themes of identity and difference.
European cinema’s social realism — Rather than sensationalizing, the film weaves real social issues into character-driven narrative.
Director’s Vision: Humanizing Authentic Difference
Lola Doillon writes and directs with empathy, aiming to show how being “different” is not a flaw but a perspective that has long been unseen.
Her filmmaking process included consulting with autistic individuals and advocacy groups, ensuring authenticity.
The film prioritizes internal emotional arcs over external spectacle, creating intimacy through small gestures, personal insight, and a nuanced script.
Themes: Identity, Visibility, and Neurodivergent Empowerment
Recognition of hidden neurodiversity — Explores how women are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and how societal norms can invisibilize their difference.
Relationship strain and misunderstanding — Her partner Fred’s inability to understand Katia’s difference leads to tension and growth.
Diagnostic relief and identity formation — Getting a diagnosis provides Katia a mirror through which she finally sees herself as whole and distinct.
Workplace acceptance — Her professional role and relationships evolve as she begins to show her authentic self.
Key Success Factors: Performance, Authenticity, and Emotional Resonance
Cast grounded in reality — Jehnny Beth, Thibaut Evrard, Mireille Perrier, alongside non-actors who bring lived experience, add credibility and depth.
Crafted filmmaking — Pierre Milon’s cinematography and Sahra Mekki’s editing focus on Katia’s point of view, creating emotional proximity.
Informed narrative — The film includes real autism experts, ensuring the script’s accuracy and emotional authenticity.
Educational resonance — Screened with autistic advocacy groups, sparking meaningful public debate and dialogue.
Critics Reception: Praise for Nuance, Some Critique of Tone
Unifrance summary highlights its portrayal of Katia’s experience and neurodiversity, noting its sensitive approach and female-centric narrative.
Critics on French Wikipedia and specialist outlets commend the film for avoiding clichés and spotlighting autism in women; it’s described as relevant, well-informed, and emotionally honest.
Some commentators note that, in parts, the tone drifts into didactic territory—resembling documentary more than romantic comedy in its exposition—yet the emotional payoff and representation more than compensate.
Activist and association screenings report strong positive reception from neurodivergent audiences, praising it as “a revelation of shared experience” and “a breakthrough in visibility.”
Reviews: A Gentle Rom-Com with Impact
Strengths: Realistic depiction of late-diagnosed autism in women, emotional authenticity, Jehnny Beth’s vulnerable performance, respectful blending of genres.
Weaknesses: Occasional didactic or explanatory moments that interrupt flow; tone slightly uneven between comic moments and introspective drama.
Consensus: Différente is a heartfelt, forward-thinking romantic comedy that expands the genre’s emotional scope—with enough compassion and insight to leave a lasting impression.
Final Verdict: A Rom-Com That Redefines “Normal”
Différente makes the ordinary extraordinary by placing neurodivergence at its center. Bold in subject and warm in tone, Lola Doillon crafts a story where self-acceptance becomes the greatest love story—a film both tender and trailblazing.