14/43
Starring Graham Norton and guests: Nicole Kidman/Cynthia Erivo/James Norton/Chris McClausland/Benson Boone (2024)
Narrative
A high-ranking executive risks his career and family when he begins a whirlwind affair with his much younger intern. Jean Reno shot scenes for the film, but they were completely cut from the finished film.
The story centers around a selfish, power-hungry and narcissistic CEO who cheats on his husband, plain and simple
The film tries to tell the story from a woman’s point of view, putting emotions above logic, romanticizing the situation and even trying to justify her actions. First, it leans heavily on the “strong, independent woman” trope, portraying her as a victim of oppressive men who want her to fail as CEO, but then this message contradicts itself by suggesting that ( some) women actually prefer to be subservient to their male counterparts.
Their mind says A, but their feelings say B
This inconsistency not only confuses the narrative but also undermines its intended message. The film also shows much of the CEO’s hypocrisy, perhaps intended to shed light on the complexity of the female psyche.
If that was the intention, then it works
However, the film remains overly romantic, unrealistic, slow and boring, making it difficult to sustain. Ultimately, the film seems to appeal most to female audiences, which likely reflects its target demographic.
