Emmanuelle Review: There Was A Defining Moment Where This Mess Of An Erotic Drama Sort Of Came Together, But It Didn’t Save It

Emmanuelle Review: Audrey Diwan Subverts an Erotic Classic to Compelling, Alienating Effect

Note: This review was originally published as part of the U.K. release. Emmanuelle arrived on VOD in the U.S. on June 6. The most striking thing about Audrey Diwan’s reinterpretation of Emmanuelle––the infamous novel-turned-softcore franchise from fabulously named director Just Jaeckin––is that the original dramatic beats largely remain intact. Perhaps this is why it received a critical drubbing at its San Sebastian premiere: those expecting the…

Emmanuelle Review: There Was A Defining Moment Where This Mess Of An Erotic Drama Sort Of Came Together, But It Didn’t Save It

The series of erotic films centered around the French character of Emmanuelle — originally based on the book of the same name by Emmanuelle Arsan — has a streak of rotten scores that have not impeded the making of its sequels and a reboot, achieving relative financial success. With the latest outing continuing this tradition and the movie itself making it very clear why, I'm inclined to believe that the Emmanuelle series has only endured because…