Are relationships always black and white? Does changing the rules to rekindle passion after 16 years save a marriage, or does it transform it into something entirely new? Eric K. Boulianne’s Canadian film Follies (2025) seeks answers to these questions — which probe modern relationships and traditional monogamy — with an honest and at times uncomfortably transparent approach.
Having gained momentum from the Toronto International Film Festival, this film stands out in the independent cinema world as a relationship drama that redefines love, fidelity, and self-discovery. Let’s dive into the depths of this film that breaks the clichés of traditional romance.
Beyond Monogamy: Love as an Emotional Negotiation
At the heart of the film are François and Julie, who have been together for 16 years. In an attempt to revive their lost passion and fading excitement, they decide to open their relationship “outward.” However, this experiment quickly moves beyond a mere sexual quest. As the couple navigates different partners, new experiences, and ever-expanding boundaries, they enter a process of “emotional negotiation” in which love, identity, and commitment are constantly redefined.
Rather than exaggerating or exploiting open relationships, Follies presents them in a highly naturalistic style as an ordinary and complex part of life. It emphasises that love is not a static state, but a dynamic structure that requires sacrifice, understanding, and constant communication.
The Concept of “Relationship” Through the Eyes of Gen Z and Millennials
One of the main reasons Follies is trending right now is that it directly resonates with today’s audience — particularly urban viewers aged 25–45 — and their search for honesty in relationships. Social norms are changing; people no longer want flawless, fairy-tale romantic comedies, but rather to see the flaws and complexities of real life on screen. By asking viewers the question “Can love go beyond the old rules we created?”, the film successfully sparks serious organic discussions on social media, especially within niche communities.
Naturalistic Performances and Festival Success
Eric K. Boulianne, who also directs the film, shares the lead role with Catherine Chabot. The chemistry between this duo and their understated, deeply “lived-in” performances are the film’s greatest strengths. This minimal, dialogue-driven structure heightens the film’s emotional weight.
Although it earned only around $6,000 at the box office (with a very limited release), Follies prioritises artistic and thematic success over commercial concerns. Having received 2 awards and 8 nominations, the production proves that independent cinema needs “deep characters rather than big explosions.”
Final Verdict: Is Rule-Free Love Possible?
Follies is a perfect fit for audiences tired of traditional romantic formulas and who enjoy watching the contradictions of human nature. It tells, with a shattering simplicity, that relationships are not only about loving, but also about how we adapt that love according to circumstances. Released in Canada on 30 January 2026 and available on digital platforms, the film is a quiet yet powerful example of modern cinema that holds up a mirror to the complexities of contemporary relationships.
