The 1974 original Emmanuelle was a provocative tale of a young woman's sensual escapades in Bangkok. It was the epitome of 70s-era French erotic cinema: audacious, unfiltered, and brimming with the kind of kitsch that’s become synonymous with exploitation films of its time. Despite its questionable artistic value, the movie gained notoriety as a cultural artifact of its era, albeit one best left in the past. Inexplicably, director Audrey Diwan, known for her heart-wrenching abortion drama Happening, has chosen to resurrect this relic of a bygone era, offering a modern reinterpretation set against the backdrop of Hong Kong's corporate elite. The result? A glossy yet hollow cinematic endeavor that fails to evoke the spirit of its predecessor or justify its own existence.

The Relocation: Bangkok to Hong Kong

Diwan's decision to relocate the narrative from Bangkok to Hong Kong might initially seem like an opportunity to infuse the story with fresh cultural and visual dynamics. However, this new setting does little to enhance the film’s narrative. While Hong Kong's opulent skyscrapers and high-paced corporate culture provide a sleek and modern aesthetic, they also create a sense of detachment and sterility. The city's visual splendor, rather than complementing the story, underscores the superficiality of the film’s themes.

A Character Study That Falls Flat

Noémie Merlant, acclaimed for her stunning performance in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, takes on the titular role of Emmanuelle. The character is reimagined as a jet-setting corporate professional, perpetually ensconced in luxury hotels. Her days are spent navigating the complexities of her high-profile job, while her nights are dedicated to fleeting, impersonal carnal encounters. However, beneath her polished exterior lies a deep void—a yearning for meaningful connection, which she projects onto Kei Shinohara, an enigmatic flood defenses engineer played by Will Sharpe.

Unfortunately, the film’s attempts to explore Emmanuelle's internal struggles are undermined by a lack of emotional depth and narrative cohesion. Merlant’s portrayal, though earnest, is stifled by a script that reduces her character to a series of sultry glances and shallow dialogues. Meanwhile, Will Sharpe, known for his nuanced work in The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, is burdened with a character so one-dimensional that his pained expressions feel more like reactions to his circumstances as an actor than those of a man grappling with forbidden desire.

Gloss Over Substance

The film’s visual presentation is undeniably striking. Diwan and her team have crafted a world of impeccable aesthetics, with every frame exuding luxury and sophistication. From the shimmering skyline of Hong Kong to the sleek interiors of high-end hotels, the cinematography paints a picture of opulence. However, this visual polish only serves to highlight the film’s lack of substance. The narrative feels disjointed, with moments of supposed emotional intensity interspersed with gratuitous scenes of intimacy that lack the sensuality or provocation of the original.

While the original Emmanuelle embraced its provocative nature with unapologetic abandon, Diwan’s remake seems uncertain of its identity. Is it an erotic drama? A critique of corporate emptiness? A character study of a woman yearning for connection? The film attempts to be all these things, but in doing so, it becomes none of them. The result is a lifeless amalgamation of ideas that never coalesce into a compelling whole.

Lost Opportunities

The decision to anchor Emmanuelle's desires in her unrequited longing for Kei could have provided a fertile ground for exploring themes of power, vulnerability, and human connection. However, the film glosses over these possibilities, opting instead for a series of contrived interactions that fail to resonate emotionally. The dynamic between Emmanuelle and Kei is awkward and unconvincing, leaving the audience disconnected from their purported chemistry.

Moreover, the choice to frame Kei as a flood defenses engineer—presumably to add a layer of intrigue or gravitas—feels out of place and poorly integrated into the story. It’s a peculiar detail that, rather than enriching the narrative, serves as a distraction.

What Could Have Been

A successful remake of Emmanuelle would have required a bold reimagining that embraced the film's provocative roots while adapting its themes for a contemporary audience. Diwan could have explored the complexities of modern relationships, the impact of technology on intimacy, or the ways in which corporate culture shapes personal identity. Instead, the film remains tethered to outdated tropes and a narrative framework that feels both archaic and irrelevant.

For instance, a more engaging approach might have involved delving deeper into Emmanuelle's psyche, portraying her as a woman torn between the allure of hedonistic freedom and the desire for genuine connection. Her interactions with Kei could have been used to explore power dynamics, cultural contrasts, or the challenges of vulnerability in an increasingly disconnected world. By grounding the story in relatable emotions and contemporary themes, the remake could have transcended its origins to become a meaningful cinematic experience.

Conclusion

Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle is a film that promises much but delivers little. Despite the undeniable talent of its cast and the visual allure of its setting, it fails to capture the essence of the original or establish an identity of its own. By prioritizing style over substance, the film reduces its characters to hollow archetypes and its narrative to a series of disconnected moments. What could have been a provocative exploration of modern intimacy instead becomes a lifeless exercise in glossy mediocrity.

Ultimately, this remake serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of reinterpreting culturally significant works. Without a clear vision or a willingness to embrace bold, innovative storytelling, even the most ambitious projects can fall flat. For audiences, the 1974 Emmanuelle, with all its flaws, remains the more authentic and engaging experience—one that, for better or worse, reflected the spirit of its time.