Directed and starring Joanna Arnow, La Vie selon Ann marks a bold turn in the contemporary cinematic landscape. The film, which is also her first feature, lies at the intersection of comedy and drama. Set in New York, the film delves into the tumultuous life of Ann, a thirty-something who reinterprets her relationships through submissive dynamics. The film made its international debut at the Quinzaine des Cinéastes at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, captivating critics with its provocative approach.
La Vie selon Ann(The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something has Passed) uses the prism of BDSM to explore the many facets of Ann's life: her adventures in love, her professional interactions, and her ties with family and friends. The film invites us to follow her journey, oscillating between submission and domination, where each encounter reveals a little more of her complex psyche and hidden desires. The script develops around her experience with a long-time BDSM partner and her daily life in a big-city company, painting a rich and nuanced portrait of modern femininity.
Aimed at an adult audience, La Vie selon Ann will appeal to those who question the nature of human relationships and the quest for personal identity in contemporary society. The film stands out for its treatment of the BDSM theme not as a niche subject, but as an extended metaphor for the power dynamics of modern relationships. Joanna Arnow's unconventional and experimental approach to storytelling and directing promises to challenge viewer expectations and engage with societal preconceptions.
Life According to Ann is a bold and intimate exploration of one woman's life through scenes of submission that symbolize her struggles and acceptances. With courageous direction and an outstanding performance by Joanna Arnow, this film is set to make a lasting impression with its sincerity and thematic relevance. Successfully presented at Cannes, it is clear that this feature film will provoke discussion and admiration for its audacity and artistic honesty.
May 2026 movie releases: must-see films in theaters
What films are hitting theaters in May 2026? Discover the month’s cinema releases, week by week, with the titles to see in theaters, their release dates, and the big-screen debuts to look forward to. [Read more]
Intimate films, social dramas, family stories, or big-name performances: discover the dramas to watch in cinemas right now and coming soon. [Read more]
Comedy, horror, animation, drama or blockbuster: our picks of films to see in theaters right now, tailored to whatever you’re in the mood for. [Read more]
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
May 2026 movie releases: must-see films in theaters
Dramas to watch in theaters right now and coming soon
What movies to watch in theaters right now? Our picks
