“To share our view of society with people from around the world is wonderful”: Monia Chokri and Magalie Lépine-Blondeau on The Nature of Love

The Nature of Love is a fresh twist on a rom-com, in presentation at Cannes Film Festival 2023. Skillfully directed by actress-turned-director Monia Chokri (her 2019 film A Brother’s Love won the jury price in Un Certain Regard) in her third feature and second screenplay, it stars friend and collaborator Magalie Lépine-Blondeau as Sophia, a 40-year-old professor of philosophy who finds herself stuck in a non-passionate but comfortable relationship with Xavier, their lives filled with middle-class intellectual crowds, gallery openings and dinner parties. When she meets Sylvain, the rough-round-the-edges craftsman renovating their country house, it awakens something different in her, and a racy affair ensues. This witty, sexy film explores romantic love – and mid-live crises – from the female perspective, contrasting philosophical ideals of love with the reality, and uses humour to tackle topics from ageing, class, differences and motherhood.

The Upcoming spoke with the director and main actress during the festival, where Chokri revealed the genesis of the project, starting five years prior, and the desire to create a relatable, enjoyable love story, far removed from the traditional, often toxic narratives we see in the rom-com genre. The pair also delved into the nuances of their unique work dynamic, with Lépine-Blondeau having developed her character, Sophia, over several years. Both agreed on the character being a mix of sensuality, intellect and humour – traits Lépine-Blondeau embodies beautifully. The director shed light on her distinctive storytelling style, blending comedy, drama and melancholy seamlessly to reflect the realities of life. She championed Lépine-Blondeau for bringing to life the script’s inherent humour while conveying profound human elements. The duo hope viewers leave with a sense of tenderness after watching the film and feel pride in representing their perspective on love on the international stage at Cannes.

Sarah Bradbury

The Nature of Love does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Cannes Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Cannes Film Festival website here.