In 1870s France, finding someone like Rosalie was nearly impossible. Born with a hairy face and body, she spent her life shaving to avoid becoming a mere fairground attraction, striving to blend in and stay safe. Abel, a debt-ridden bar owner, unaware of Rosalie's secret, marries her for her dowry. As Rosalie grows weary of hiding, she decides to open up to her husband, whose feelings for her are increasingly deepening. The question looms: how will Abel react when he discovers the truth?
French director Stéphanie Di Giusto, through an original take on the costume drama genre, explores whether we have the courage to love against societal and temporal norms.
Benoît Magimel and Nadia Tereszkiewicz deliver a compelling and memorable performance, revealing not only the plight of a woman trapped by beauty standards but also the intricate psychological world of a man.
The film was showcased in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival.