Is L'ennui Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, L'ennui is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 122 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
L'ennui Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1998, L'ennui enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A philosophy teacher restless with the need to do something with his life meets a young woman suspected of driving an artist to his death. Under the direction of Cédric Kahn, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Charles Berling. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, L'ennui offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 122-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, L'ennui resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, L'ennui is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Canal VOD roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of L'ennui centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. A philosophy teacher restless with the need to do something with his life meets a young woman suspected of driving an artist to his death. He finds the very simple Cecilia irritating but develops a sexual rapport with her. Obsessed with the need to own and tormented by her inability to respond to him, he becomes increasingly violent in a quest he can't name - a quest that slowly begins to undermine his certainties. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1998 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of L'ennui has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a L'ennui sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for L'ennui (1998): with an audience rating of 5.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch L'ennui Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Canal VOD
Universcine🏷️ Buy on
Canal VODUniverscineParents Guide & Age Rating
L'ennui has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Romance), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, L'ennui stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L'ennui movie hit or flop?
L'ennui has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is L'ennui worth watching?
L'ennui is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch L'ennui online?
L'ennui may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is L'ennui movie hit or flop?
L'ennui has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is L'ennui worth watching?
L'ennui is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch L'ennui online?
L'ennui may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of L'ennui?
L'ennui is a Drama, Romance movie that follows: A philosophy teacher restless with the need to do something with his life meets a young woman suspected of driving an artist to his death. He finds the very simple Cecilia irritating but develops a se...
Is L'ennui family friendly?
L'ennui is classified as Drama, Romance. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is L'ennui available in?
L'ennui is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A philosophy teacher restless with the need to do something with his life meets a young woman suspected of driving an artist to his death. He finds the very simple Cecilia irritating but develops a sexual rapport with her. Obsessed with the need to own and tormented by her inability to respond to him, he becomes increasingly violent in a quest he can't name - a quest that slowly begins to undermine his certainties.
Critic Reviews
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