Director Sophie Lorain breathes vivid life into well-trod territory with Slut in a Good Way, a gorgeously shot black and white exploration of female friendships and sexuality. No, I’m not the authority on this topic but Lorain brings universal pleasures to her fun outing, which make Slut in a Good Way a breezy and often quite funny film to experience.
Charlotte (Marguerite Bouchard) has recently been broken up with by her boyfriend and isn’t taken it too well. Her two closest friends, Mégane (Romane Denis) and Aube (Rose Adam), are at her side to help heal her wounds. While they are there for Charlotte, they also don’t hesitate to poke at the fact that her boyfriend broke up with her because he is gay. They claim to always have known. Charlotte continues to defend her ex-boyfriend and hopes maybe they could still happen. “Love comes before sexuality,” as Charlotte points out.
“…Love comes before sexuality…”
In an effort to distract Charlotte from her heartbreak, the friends apply at a toy store because they are instantly attracted to the boy who works there. The girls set their sights on individual men but Charlotte, in her new thirst for endless rebounds, wants to get to know all of them. Her actions feel harmless to her until they start catching up with her and affecting her closest relationships.
Lorain follows the trio of friends in a relatively straightforward manner, hitting every expected beat along the way. Despite clocking in at only 89 minutes, Slut in a Good Way feels stretched thin, particularly in its last act, but the majority of the film has a snappy pace and vibe to it that the last portion doesn’t weigh things down too significantly.
The three actresses have a comfortable rapport with each other, finding the right balance of empathy and brutal teasing that come with all friendships. Each character may only be a designated type, with Charlotte being the bossy ringleader, but together they give Slut in a Good Way its fierce energy.
Slut in a Good Way (2018) Directed by Sophie Lorain. Written by Catherine Léger. Starring Marguerite Bouchard, Romane Denis, and Rose Adam. Slut in a Good Way is screening at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
Grade: B
