Lola (1961)

In the bustling city of Nantes, Roland Cassard, a young man stalled by the ennui of an aimless existence, crosses paths with his old flame Cecile - known by her stage name, Lola. Now a captivating cabaret dancer, Lola is a beacon of resilience, juggling the glitz of her profession with the demands of single motherhood. She tirelessly provides for her son, holding onto the fragile hope that Michel, the child's father and her one true love who vanished during her pregnancy, will return. Roland's encounter with Lola reignites his dormant passion, offering a flicker of purpose in his otherwise mundane life. Yet, Lola, entangled in her dreams of Michel's return, remains oblivious to Roland's affections. Meanwhile, Roland's life intertwines with Madame Desnoyer, a lonely widow smitten by him, and her daughter Cecile, a young girl teetering on the edge of her 14th birthday. The tapestry of their interconnected lives is further enriched by an American sailor, who finds himself drawn to Lola and shows kindness to her son, a wealthy enigma in a Cadillac, and an aging woman yearning for her absent son. Roland's quest for love and purpose unfolds amidst this complex weave of longing, hope, and unrequited love, as he grapples with the realization that his future may lie beyond the borders of France. Will Roland find his path, or will he remain ensnared in the labyrinth of unreturned affections and unconsummated dreams? In this vibrant tableau of life, 'Lola' paints a compelling portrait of love and life, teetering between the past's haunting allure and the future's uncertain promise.

Lola is a drama movie featuring Anouk Aimée.

Lola is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.