It’s the story of a couple, that begins backwards: the film starts with their divorce. Ozon takes us back and carefully explains what psychological abuse lead up to their separation.
the film is divided into five segments
- divorce
- their wedding night
- how they meet
- a house party with friends
- the birth of their daughter
Each segment is considered a milestone and thus an important part of their relationship. They are also moments that most of us will have been through when we are romantically involved and/or living with our partner. However, by telling these simple stories, Ozon gives us insights into how perverted and abject this marriage is.
Despite its common topic – a failed marriage -, I find this film incredibly intense. She is innocent and full of love and expectations and unfortunately naive enough to fall prey to this cruel, perverse man. He humiliates her in front of friends, does not care for her, leaves her alone when she gives birth and is overall a terribly abusive character who doesn’t shy away of raping his own wife. Still, there is no judgment from Ozon’s side, the cold and objective portrayal is harsh enough and we feel that this sad reality this once so happy girl is now faced with, is unbearably hard. What is left is not just a broken heart but sadly, a broken woman, robbed of her love and dreams. We can only hope she doesn’t become too bitter. A particularly bleak film for Ozon. Highly recommend.
5×2, Francois Ozon, 2004
