Is Sens interdits Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1985)

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Thriller cinema, the 1985 release of Sens interdits stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Bob Lane is (or dreams of being) a private detective with a secretary Cynthia with whom he has sex on the office desk. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Thriller are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Bob Lane is (or dreams of being) a private detective with a secretary Cynthia with whom he has sex on the office desk. He dreams of saving Tatiana from burglars and receiving her gratitude in physical form. His secretary has sex with the gasman to avoid paying the bill. Nightclub singer Diane is having an affair with an older man, Freddy Raclay. They play games where she is a dominatrix. Freddy's wife Edwige is having an affair with Raoul and experiments with anal sex with him and her husband. Diane is kidnapped by two gangsters who have sex with her (faked DP). She is rescued by Tatiana, but they have a fight and g/g session in the mud before being hosed down by Bob. In the end it all turns out to be his dream."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Sens interdits, we see Diane Suresne utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Jean-Luc Brunet is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 88 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Sens interdits truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Sens interdits explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1985 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jean-Luc Brunet respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Sens interdits is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Diane Suresne or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Sens interdits is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.