London Film Festival review - Une Nouvelle Amie (The New Girlfriend)

Romain Duris as David, avec baby Lucie.

Every year, the thud of the London Film Festival guide landing on my doormat heralds an intense week of study. Which of the hundreds of films should I choose? A few years ago I just decided to go with "all the documentaries about murder", which helpfully narrowed down the selection. This year I had no theme in particular, just films that intrigued me.

I was drawn to French film The New Girlfriend because the guide told me very little of the premise. "We can't tell you what it's about because it would spoil it", it said. My review will be similarly infuriatingly vague about the details so as to keep you spoiler free.  

But I can outline the main set-up. Claire (Anaïs Demoustier) has idolised her luminous best friend Laura (Isild Le Besco) since they were little girls. When Laura dies shortly after having her first child, Claire promises her that she will watch over her husband David (Romain Duris) and her baby daughter. This watching over leads Claire to discover a secret about David, that will ultimately change both their lives. 

Perhaps surprisingly, The New Girlfriend is based on a Ruth Rendell short story. In the hands of director Francois Ozon this has become much more of a human story than a mystery or suspense one. The performances from the two leads are what really recommend the film - Demoustier is absolutely riveting, her wide, expressive eyes telling so much. Duris is by turns hilarious, creepy and absolutely heartbreaking. 

Although slightly melodramatic and silly in places, this is an intriguing tale of tolerance and self-discovery that avoid sensationalising the topic.