REVIEW: Francois Ozon's The New Girlfriend

Accomplished French director François Ozon continues his cinematic exploration of the more unusual sides of sex and romance in his latest film.

In it, we meet Claire, who has devoted herself to honoring the memory of her deceased best friend by watching over her widowed husband David and their infant daughter (pictured). But Claire is thrown for a loop when she inadvertently discovers David one day — cradling his child while dressed in the clothes of his late wife. However, her shock eventually gives way to acceptance. He gains someone to share his secret world with, and she gets a new best friend. But how long can they keep it a secret, and what will happen when the truth is revealed to the world around them? THE WORD: The actors who play Claire and David (who makes an elegant lady) are beautiful to behold, especially in the exquisite visual glow that pervades this intriguing (almost Hitchcockian) yet tender twist on love and gender roles. COMING TO: Theaters in NY and LA September 18; elsewhere in the U.S. shortly after.