Pauline at the Beach is a French romantic comedy-drama film directed by Eric Rohmer. The film follows two cousins, Pauline and Marion, who embark on a holiday to the Atlantic coast. Marion is a beautiful, sophisticated woman who attracts a lot of male attention while Pauline is more reserved and shy.
Marion is initially interested in a surfer she meets on the beach, but soon becomes infatuated with Henri, a charming playboy who only wants a fling. Marion is unaware of his true intentions and they spend the night together. However, the next day, Henri is distant and disappears, leaving Marion heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Pauline meets Sylvain, a lifeguard on the beach, and the two of them start to develop feelings for each other. However, when Henri comes back into the picture, Sylvain becomes jealous and Pauline's chances of a romance with him seem to slip away.
Throughout the film, the characters engage in deep, philosophical discussions about love, relationships, and the nature of attraction. The film's setting, on a windswept, empty beach in the fall, adds to the melancholy and introspective tone of the story.
Ultimately, the film is a contemplation on love and human nature, exploring the complicated dynamics of attraction, jealousy, and desire. It is considered one of Rohmer's most well-regarded films, and a classic of French cinema.