Cousin, Cousine (1975)

In the kaleidoscope of life, Ludovic, a vibrant and free-spirited dance instructor, lives with his younger, insecure wife, Karine, and his wise-beyond-her-years daughter, Nelsa. Ever-changing in his pursuits, Ludovic seeks to keep life interesting, while nurturing Karine through her insecurities with various therapies. They live a world apart from the quintessential middle-class family of Pascal, a pharmaceutical salesman with inflated self-importance, his knowing wife, Marthe, and their adolescent son, Eric. Two distinct worlds, entwined by fate at a wedding banquet - the celebration of their respective elders' union. At this festive crossroads, Ludovic meets Marthe for the first time, their connection as distant cousins leading to an innocent friendship. However, as the wine flows and the music plays, Pascal and Karine slip away into a clandestine rendezvous, igniting a scandal that will change everything. With the knowledge of their spouses' infidelity, Ludovic and Marthe's innocent camaraderie deepens, evolving into a connection stronger than just shared betrayal. As time unfurls, this bond dares to cross the line of friendship into an affair, its flame fanned by the whispers of their extended family. Their relationship blossoms in the face of adversity, becoming an open secret at family gatherings. The intertwining lives of Ludovic, Marthe, Pascal, and Karine become a labyrinth of love and lies, testing their bonds and reshaping their understanding of family. In the end, they must navigate this complex maze of relationships and decide their paths, especially as they all now form part of an intricate family tapestry, woven tighter with each passing family event. The story of "Cousin, Cousine" is a vibrant dance of relationships, a poignant exploration of love, fidelity, and the often surprising nature of family ties.

Cousin, Cousine is a comedy movie featuring Marie-Christine Barrault and directed by Jean-Charles Tacchella.

Cousin, Cousine is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.