Cannes Film Fest 2025: Alice Douard’s “Love Letters”–Lesbian Couple Expecting First Child

The film carries a particular resonance at a time when hard-won rights feel under continuous threat in many countries, includng the U.S.

Like Douard’s Cesar-winning short “Expecting” (2022), Love Letters is inspired by the 2013 vote in France’s National Assembly to legalize same-sex marriage.

The story is set in 2014, when Celine (Ella Rumpf) and Nadia (Monia Chokri) get married and prepare to become parents. Nadia is pregnant with their baby, and the law requires Celine to adopt the child.

The process involves personal scrutiny–Celine must provide extensive evidence of the couple’s relationship and written testimonials from 15 loved ones who will attest to their desire for the child.

Celine and Nadia’s love is strong enough to withstand any of the difficulties that may lie ahead. Nadia is a hard-working dentist, an efficient professional. Celine is five years younger, a DJ, sound engineer and music producer, who is more fragile and doubtful of the arduous process and its uncertain results.

Celine’s mother Marguerite (Noemie Lvovsky, also known as director), a famous pianist, regards their relationship as transactional. Celine’s memories of her mother’s absences and emotional distance fuel concerns about her own legitimacy as a parent. Lvovsky’s performance conveys the regrets and vulnerabilities of an artist who put work before family life.

The film presents a reality check about the attitudes of others and the threats to their happy family unit.

Throughout, Douard softens the harsh edges of reality with warm humor and generos spirit. Thus, the settings of the cool formality of legal offices and medical appointments are contrasted with fun informal activities, such as nightclub dance floors, bustling city streets, and family gatherings.

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