Jalouse is a French comedy-drama film directed by David and Stéphane Foenkinos. The film tells the story of Nathalie Pêcheux, a French high school philosophy teacher, who gets divorced from her husband of 25 years. Nathalie initially tries to maintain a positive outlook on her newfound freedom, but soon starts to feel overwhelmed by intense feelings of jealousy towards everyone around her, including her teenage daughter Mathilde, her best friend Sophie, her colleague Markus, and even strangers she meets on the streets.
As Nathalie's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, those around her start to become concerned about her mental state. She becomes obsessed with tracking her daughter's whereabouts and activities, causing tension in their relationship. Nathalie also starts to have intense sexual fantasies about her neighbor, whom she suspects is having an affair with her friend Sophie.
Throughout the film, Nathalie struggles to come to terms with her own jealousy and insecurity, recognizing that her behavior is damaging her relationships and mental health. The film ultimately explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and self-discovery, as Nathalie begins to work through her emotions and reconnect with those around her.
Jalouse features a standout performance from actress Karin Viard, who plays Nathalie with both humor and depth. The film received positive reviews for its sharp writing, excellent acting, and sensitive portrayal of mental health issues.
