Two Women Review: An Equally Tender and Raunchy Quebecois Comedy

 

Although once a staple of the domestic box office, the days of the raunchy comedy are long gone. There are so many factors that contribute to its lack of presence in the filmmaking landscape, but it’s hard not to miss these kinds of movies. At the height of the genres success in the studio system with movies like American Pie, Road Trip and Knocked Up, the same perspectives were being repeated over and over. It was always the story of a young, immature man who will do anything to get laid. It became regressive, and it’s hard to name one towards the end of their popularity that flipped that perspective. Enter Two Women, a warm, emotionally rounded and hysterical comedy out of Quebec that’ll remind you the value of new points of view. It’ll make you yearn for the days of high quality theatrical comedies, and make you wonder why raunchy, female-led films were never the norm.   

As Two Women opens, we are introduced to … well… you guessed it. What starts as a conversation between friends and neighbours Violette and Florence becomes a deeper reflection into their dwindling sex lives with their respective husbands. An inquiry from Violette regarding ‘crow-like noises’ (later evolving into a brilliant running gag) gives both of the women an epiphany. It allows Violette to learn that her husband is having a risky affair, often in their home while she's unaware. The discussion allows Florence to discover that her long-term depression and mediocre marriage are, in part, fuelled by her sexless relationship. In a journey of liberation and the taking-back of their sexuality, they begin a sex-positive journey. They individually sleep with anyone they can - from home pest exterminators to plumbers to Facebook marketplace buyers. The journey further unfolds to teach them more about their relationships with sex, their partners and their mental health. 

As much as the film wants to be insightful and ethically provocative, the main goal here of crafting something funny does work. There’s few next-level gut-busting to be had here but most jokes at least will get a chuckle out of you - which not many comedies can achieve. Part of why it works as well as it does is the ensemble, which is doing wonders to dialogue that’s already quite effective on the page. It’s pretty rapid-fire humour we’re dealing with here - thus, the timing is an intricate part of the process. Every performer in the lead cast delivers their dialogue with such precision and quick wit - it’s hard to imagine the same movie without them. The physical humour works too - it’s clear that Violette and Florence are a bit rusty when it comes to hookups. The comic nature of them trying to initiate relations with the various men that they come into contact with is brilliant, both in performance and on the page.  This is a pretty craftily made film, which is a lovely cherry on top. The shot composition, especially within the way the camera navigates tight quarters, and the way it frames the two apartments from the exterior using windows is very unique.

There are a few holdbacks here, but they rarely interfere with the films intention to be as funny and insightful as it is, but there are details worth noting. For one, this film is definitely designed in a way where it wants you to bring personal experience to the table. Your mileage may vary depending on how directly you can relate to the two women at the centre of this film. It often glosses over their feelings in its impression that the audience is aware of the feelings this point in life brings. The film is still sure to bring laughs to all audiences looking for it, however. Additionally, the films attempt to portray the insight this journey brings Violette and Florence in the third act is incredible unsubtle. The impact you see on their lives does that conceit enough justice, and its attempt to spell out the bow it wants to be wrapped in can be a little more frustrating than rewarding.

Whatever holds the filmmaking and storytelling back, however, is no match for the lovely representation and perspective the film has to offer. The film is a remake, and it’s easy to understand why this story deserves being revisited at a time where we’ve made such more progress to public perception of women’s sexuality. This tale of navigating a world full of mens sexual desires is very progressive, and is certainly worth telling. Its perspectives on the often overarching desires of men and the reclaiming of desire is as thought provoking as it is funny. They don’t make comedies like this anymore, but they’ve never made comedies this progressive. It’s enough of a reason in itself to check the film out.

Rating: 7/10

Two Women opens at Toronto's TIFF Lightbox and select Quebec cinemas this Friday, May 30th. Thanks to our friends at Route 504 PR and Maison 4:3 for providing us access to this wonderful film!