Down by Love (2016) – Drama/Romance
Down by Love (Éperdument), directed by Pierre Godeau, is a French drama and romance film based on a true story. The movie follows the forbidden relationship between Jean Firmino (Guillaume Gallienne), the director of a women’s prison, and Anna Amari (Adèle Exarchopoulos), an inmate serving time for a serious crime.
Despite the strict rules and boundaries of prison life, Jean and Anna are drawn to one another, and their connection develops into a passionate and risky affair. Their love story unfolds in secrecy, weighed down by moral dilemmas, abuse of power, and the looming threat of exposure.
The film explores themes of desire, obsession, and the consequences of crossing boundaries in a world where rules are meant to protect both individuals and society. With raw performances—especially from Adèle Exarchopoulos, known for her emotional depth—the story becomes an intimate portrayal of a love that is both consuming and destructive.
Down by Love is a tale of passion clashing with duty, showing how the need for connection can sometimes lead to devastating choices.
