For his 14th French Film Director François Ozon star newcomer Marine Vacth (Isabelle) who plays a 17 year-old teenager who leads a double life. Young & Beautiful (Jeune & jolie) screened In Competition at Cannes 2013 and was nominated for the Palme d’Or but did not score.

François Ozon knows how to choose his muses. Marine Vacth is stunning and radiates throughout the film. His movie moves at a steady pace portraying Isabelle living with her kid brother (Fantin Ravat), mother (Géraldine Pailhas) and stepfather (Frédéric 
Pierrot). Although the family is well-off, Isabelle secretly takes up prostitution, just as other teens 
might turn to drugs or anorexia. Featuring many twists, the story is divided into four seasons and punctuated with a bittersweet song by Françoise Hardy. Starting in summer at the family vacation villa, then moving to Paris.

While Ozon tackles a subject of our sick society in crisis, where pornography, free access on the Internet and online dating sites which are increasing, opening the doors of unbridled sexuality teens. He does not provide any motivations of his heroine acts and leaves the public guessing why is she selling her body? Is it due to her first bad experience with a clueless German? Is that enough to turn into a prostitute? I hope not. At any rate, we don’t need an explanation for Isabelle’s behavior, but we don’t know enough about what she thinks while she’s doing it.

Francois Ozon’s provocative Jeune & Jolie is a well-crafted and well-acted film, engaging in erotic sensuality without vulgarity. Unfortunately the film may only be remembered for its promising lead actress; sex is often not the best sale for Oscar or Palm nomination. Ozon’s past work included the well-acclaimed “Potiche”, and last year’s career high “In The House” who won TIFF’s FIPRESCI award. Jeune & Jolie was never likely to be a top drawer as some might have hoped, but the subject matter and will provide to the public eye openers, itchy moments and will stay with you long after the film is over. It certainly reinforces Ozon’s status as an important filmmaker on the world stage. Recommended.

Christophe Chanel

Shown at this year’s TIFF13 : Toronto International Film Festival.