Claire's Knee (1970)

In the languid, yet tantalizing melodrama that is "Claire's Knee," we follow Jerome, a charming cultural attache, as he relishes his last summer of bachelorhood by the serene Lake Annecy. His tranquil sojourn takes a twist when his path converges with Aurora, an Italian writer and an old acquaintance. Aurora, with her mischievous charisma, coaxes Jerome into a harmless flirtation with his landlady's teenage daughter, Laura. Jerome, initially reluctant, eventually succumbs to the allure of this youthful dalliance, until he crosses paths with Laura's enchanting blonde half-sister, Claire. The sight of Claire awakens in Jerome an inexplicable longing, an obsession that centers around the desire to touch her knee. Encouraged by the thrill of his flirtation with Laura, Jerome musters the courage to pursue Claire, despite his formal commitment to a diplomat's daughter. As the summer days unfold, Jerome's pursuit of Claire takes him on a riveting emotional journey. However, unlike his flirtation with Laura, his affections for Claire appear to be unrequited, further complicating his already tangled summer. As Jerome navigates these turbulent waters of desire and loyalty, he must also grapple with the fact that both Laura and Claire are involved with boyfriends of their own. "Claire's Knee" is an invitingly complex tale of forbidden attractions and the delicate dance of desire, set against the backdrop of a picturesque summer by the lake. As Jerome dares to flirt with the boundaries of his own affections, viewers are drawn into a captivating exploration of love, longing, and the sometimes absurd obsessions of the human heart.

Claire's Knee is a drama movie featuring Jean-Claude Brialy and directed by Éric Rohmer.

Claire's Knee is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.