Noémie Merlant felt a deep connection to her role in Emmanuelle, a film directed by Audrey Diwan. The experience was transformative for the French actress, as it made her reflect on her own relationship with female pleasure. “Like Emmanuelle, I had lost touch with my body,” Merlant shared.
Emmanuelle, which premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival, has generated attention for its explicit content. The film, starring Naomi Watts, Will Sharpe, and Jamie Campbell Bower, is based on Emmanuelle Arsan’s erotic novel, with sensuality playing a central role in the narrative.
The story follows Emmanuelle, a woman on a business trip in Hong Kong who, while working for a luxury hotel group, embarks on a journey to reclaim lost pleasure. Her encounters with the hotel’s guests, particularly with Kei (Sharpe), spark her search for a deeper connection.
Merlant’s portrayal is nuanced, depicting a woman who appears emotionally detached, yet gradually reclaims her autonomy over her sexuality. In her own words, the actress explained how this role resonated with her personal life: “After the #MeToo movement, I started questioning years of living for others’ pleasure. Like Emmanuelle, I hadn’t been in touch with my own desires. This script tapped into that.”
Merlant revealed that playing Emmanuelle opened up new perspectives on her own sexuality. “It broke something in me. I now feel more free and comfortable expressing what I want. It’s allowed me to start exploring my desires in a new way.”
When asked about the explicit nature of the film, Merlant didn’t feel vulnerable about baring her body but focused on the emotional depth. “I’m only vulnerable in wanting to give a truthful performance. If the environment is respectful, I can push my boundaries. With Emmanuelle, I had a great team, and we worked with an intimacy coach to ensure everyone felt safe.”
Reflecting on the influence of the #MeToo movement, Merlant emphasized the importance of consent and collaboration. She noted that having intimacy coaches on set provides actors more freedom, rather than limiting them, because it fosters a space where creative risks can be taken.
Merlant also spoke about the themes of the film, which Diwan aimed to explore in a post-#MeToo world. “The film asks if there is still room for erotism and sensation in women’s lives after being inundated with patriarchal and violent portrayals of sex. It takes time to get back to genuine pleasure and connection, just as it does for the female orgasm. Diwan wanted the film to be a sensory experience.”
The on-screen connection between Merlant and Will Sharpe was one of the film’s standout elements. She appreciated that Sharpe’s character, Kei, was mysterious—a role often reserved for female characters. “I loved that Kei and Emmanuelle had a powerful connection without needing sex. It’s not a requirement for intimacy,” Merlant reflected. “He represents a man who doesn’t fit the dominant male gaze. He’s seeking equality and genuine connection, which I found poetic.”
Merlant, known for her work in films like Portrait of a Lady on Fire, has become a champion of the female gaze in cinema. She believes that it’s essential to give more space to women and marginalized voices in film, as it brings more meaning and excitement to the art form.
As for future projects, Merlant expressed her interest in working in more English-language films, and even in different languages like Japanese or Korean, as she is a fan of cinema from those cultures.
Shooting Emmanuelle in Hong Kong was also a pleasant surprise for Merlant, who initially didn’t expect to enjoy the city but found herself captivated by its nature and people.
When asked about working with Cate Blanchett on Tár, Merlant likened the experience to watching a football legend. “Cate is like Maradona for me if I were a footballer. Watching her work is magical, and she’s incredibly generous on set.”
Through Emmanuelle, Noémie Merlant found not only a profound connection to her character but also a deeper understanding of herself, making the film a significant experience both professionally and personally.