“In Bed with Victoria” (original title: ‘Victoria’) is a 2016 French drama-comedy film directed by Justine Triet. Starring Virginie Efira in the title role, Victoria tells the story of a successful but disorganized lawyer with a complex life. The film deals with the contradictions of a modern woman in her professional and personal life from a feminist and psychological perspective.
Themes and Analysis
- Dilemmas of the Modern Woman
Victoria is a character who appears strong and independent but harbors a great chaos inside. She is successful in her professional life but disorganized in her personal life. Her complicated relationship with her ex-lover, her deficiencies in her role as a mother and her professional rivalry reflect her image as a modern woman who “cannot control everything”. Triet presents Victoria as a character with flaws, far from the traditional stereotype of the “strong woman”. - Relationship between Sexuality and Power
Victoria’s sex life is intertwined with power dynamics. Her ex-boyfriend Sam, played by Vincent Cassel, is both her weakness and her passion. While the film shows female sexuality as a liberating force, it also points to emotional turmoil. - Balance of Humor and Drama
Triet manages to inject black humor into the film. Victoria’s vulnerable moments are conveyed in a humorous way. However, this humor is used to mask the character’s deep loneliness and inner conflicts.
- A Feminist Perspective
Victoria shatters the myth of the “perfect woman”. She is ambitious in her profession, but she is also caught between career and motherhood. As she struggles to survive in the male-dominated world of lawyers, she is forced to confront her own weaknesses.
Visual and Narrative Style
Natural dialog and irregular camera movements create a realistic atmosphere. Interior scenes (especially the bedroom and office) reflect the chaos of Victoria’s inner world. The color palette is usually in cool tones, reinforcing Victoria’s emotional state.
Conclusion and Evaluation
“In Bed with Victoria” is a fine example of Justine Triet’s character-driven narrative. Virginie Efira’s performance makes Victoria a memorable character. The film balances comedy and drama while making us think about modern feminism, sexuality and power struggles.
Triet’s next film, “Anatomie d’une chute” (2023), explores similar themes: women’s confusion in social roles, fear of judgment and personal breakdowns.
If you are interested in the theme of “how chaotic the lives we try to control are”, this is the movie for you.
Score: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – An impressive production with sharp dialog, strong acting and shocking honesty.
Recommended Films:
“Anatomie d’une chute” (2023) – Palme d’Or winner by the same director.
“Elle” (2016, Paul Verhoeven) – A similarly complex female character.
“Frances Ha” (2012, Noah Baumbach) – The story of a woman trying to pull herself together.