House of Tolerance, directed by Bertrand Bonello, is a French drama film set in the late 19th century. The movie follows the lives of a group of prostitutes at the Apollonide bordello in Paris over the course of several years.
The story is told through a series of vignettes that explore the personal lives of the women who work at the bordello, as well as their interactions with clients and with each other. The movie focuses on the relationships between the women, who have built a sisterhood of sorts within the confines of the brothel, despite their often challenging and sometimes dangerous work environment.
Though the movie depicts the often-grim realities of life as a prostitute in 19th century Paris, it also features moments of joy and camaraderie between the women, as well as moments of unexpected tenderness with certain clients.
House of Tolerance features a strong visual style, with lush, stylized cinematography and a haunting musical score. The film explores themes of gender, power, and sexuality, and offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of women who are often marginalized and objectified in popular culture.
