The Soft Skin (1964)

In the impassioned swirl of the French intellectual scene, Pierre Lachenay is a beacon. A renowned publisher and lecturer, he navigates the complexities of middle age, nestled in a life shared with his unstable wife, Franca, and their 10-year-old daughter, Sabine. When Pierre embarks on a journey to Lisbon for a lecture, an unexpected encounter with Nicole, a young and captivating Panair do Brasil air stewardess, sparks a clandestine affair that sears through the fabric of his carefully constructed world. As the affair takes flight, Pierre and Nicole find themselves ensnared in a passionate dance of longing and deception. They traverse the scenic landscapes of Reims, their shared moments cloaked in secrecy from Pierre's family. Pierre's intention to shield his daughter from the heartbreak of separation becomes a delicate balancing act, as he juggles the responsibilities of his domestic life with the intoxicating lure of his forbidden romance. However, the complexities of the human heart prove far more intricate than Pierre had anticipated. Misinterpreting Nicole's feelings and expectations, he makes a life-altering decision to leave his wife and daughter, and build a life with his young lover. This poignant choice, born out of a profound misunderstanding, spirals their entangled lives towards a tragic crescendo. "The Soft Skin" is a compelling exploration of love, desire, and the devastating consequences of misunderstanding. It's a haunting tale that will linger long after the credits roll, a testament to the complexities of the human heart.

The Soft Skin is a drama movie featuring Françoise Dorléac.

The Soft Skin is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Soft Skin on Amazon Video and Apple TV.