Ma Belle, My Beauty (2021) is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of polyamory and creative longing against the sun-drenched backdrop of the South of France. Written and directed by Marion Hill, the film follows three people—Bertie, Fred, and Lane—who once shared a polyamorous relationship in New Orleans. Plot Overview

Verdict: ★★★½
A warm, low-key character study that prioritizes mood over plot. Best for viewers who enjoy slow-burn indie romances like Portrait of a Lady on Fire meets Call Me by Your Name.

Soulful Soundtrack: Music is a central character. The score, composed by Mahmoud Chouki, blends New Orleans jazz with North African and French rhythms, mirroring the cultural backgrounds of the protagonists.

: Features a jazzy, New Orleans-inspired score by Mahmoud Chouki that reflects the characters' backgrounds.

The Core Conflict: Jealousy Without a Label

One of the film’s greatest achievements is its refusal to pathologize jealousy. When Fred watches Lane and Bertie share a private swim, his expression is not possessive rage but exclusion. When Bertie sees Fred touch Lane’s waist, she doesn’t scream — she walks to the garden and plays her trumpet alone.