The Cousins (1959)

In the pulsating heart of Paris, Charles, a young, earnest provincial law student, steps into a world far removed from his own. He finds refuge in the flat of his cousin, Paul, a somewhat decadent and disillusioned student drawn to the allure of idleness and pleasure. While Charles is plodding and honest, Paul dances through life with a band of fellow pleasure-seekers, his days and nights an endless carousel of hedonism. Charles' world is soon upended when he falls for the enchanting Florence, a woman he encounters in the midst of Paul's favourite haunt. This love, pure and profound, stands in stark contrast to the superficial connections that define Paul's life. As Charles embarks on his pursuit of a genuine love relationship, he must navigate the complexities of his cousin's world and the whims of Paul's trickster friend, Clovis, who, like a puppet master, manipulates the unfolding drama from the shadows. "The Cousins" is a captivating exploration of the dichotomy between earnest love and frivolous pleasure, a cornerstone of the New Wave film movement. Directed by Chabrol, it's a story that resonates with the timeless struggle of love, the intoxication of youth, and the pursuit of purpose amidst life's distractions. The question remains - will Charles' naive honesty prevail in the face of Paul's hedonistic lifestyle, or will the city of love prove too complex and corrupting for his pure affections?

The Cousins is a drama movie featuring Gérard Blain.

The Cousins is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.