The Balconettes (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Balconettes (original title: Les Femmes au Balcon) is a 2024 French film directed by Noémie Merlant. This feminist dark comedy-thriller takes place in a sweltering Marseille summer, where three women—Ruby, Nicole, and Elise—find themselves entangled in a chaotic and bloody affair. Combining elements of humor, horror, and social commentary, the film explores themes of feminism, freedom, and violence against women, all set against a visually striking Mediterranean backdrop.
But is this movie worth watching? And where can you stream it online? Here’s a deep dive into The Balconettes, its themes, execution, and potential availability on streaming platforms.
Plot Summary
Set in a Marseille apartment complex during a relentless heat wave, the story follows three roommates who observe their neighbors from their shared balcony. Their innocent people-watching soon takes a dark turn when a casual late-night drink spirals into violence, forcing them into a moral and physical confrontation that shakes their very understanding of justice, power, and sisterhood.
The film walks a fine line between comedy and horror, delivering moments of sharp feminist critique, absurd humor, and unsettling brutality. With its intimate setting and Hitchcockian voyeuristic themes, The Balconettes feels like a modern, gender-reversed take on Rear Window.
A Feminist Satire or a Missed Opportunity?
A Bold But Divisive Feminist Message
Noémie Merlant, known for her role in Portrait of a Lady on Fire, wears multiple hats in this film as both lead actress and director. Her approach is unapologetically feminist, using humor and satire to address patriarchal oppression and gender violence.
Some viewers have praised the film’s raw, uncompromising stance on sexism and abuse, comparing it to the feminist movement’s third-wave ideologies. However, others argue that the film leans too heavily into stereotypes, portraying men as exclusively predatory and women as perpetual victims. The social critique, while powerful, sometimes feels blunt rather than nuanced.
Strong Performances, Yet an Unfocused Narrative
The performances by Souheila Yacoub (Climax, Dune: Part Two), Sanda Codreanu, and Noémie Merlant are commendable. Yacoub, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Ruby, a bold and sexually liberated woman navigating a complex world.
However, the film struggles with coherence, blending multiple genres (comedy, horror, satire, and surrealism) in ways that sometimes feel disjointed. The introduction of supernatural elements, particularly ghostly apparitions, adds to the confusion rather than enriching the narrative. This left some audiences feeling detached from the film’s core message.
Dark Humor and Surrealism—Not for Everyone
The movie’s humor is sharp and sometimes unsettling. Certain scenes, like the now-infamous “rocking chair moment,” deliver cathartic, almost punk-rock feminist energy. But other moments feel forced, as if the film is straining too hard to prove its feminist credibility.
The climax, involving a literal dismemberment scene, is particularly controversial. Some found it a powerful metaphor for revenge against patriarchy, while others saw it as gratuitous and needlessly grotesque.
Where to Watch The Balconettes Online
As of now, The Balconettes (2024) is not yet available for streaming or digital rental. However, based on distribution trends for recent French films, it is expected to land on several platforms in the coming months.
Potential Streaming Platforms in the U.S.:
- Netflix – Given its history of acquiring international feminist films, The Balconettes may find a home here.
- Hulu – With a strong selection of international and independent films, Hulu is a potential candidate.
- Amazon Prime Video – Typically offers new releases for both streaming (included with Prime) and digital rental.
- Apple TV / iTunes – Likely to provide rental and purchase options.
- Mubi – Known for curating critically acclaimed international films, The Balconettes could be a great fit.
For real-time availability, check JustWatch.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
✅ Watch it if you enjoy:
- Feminist cinema with bold, political themes
- Dark comedies that mix humor with horror
- Visually striking films with a strong European aesthetic
- Movies that challenge traditional narratives about gender and violence
❌ Skip it if you dislike:
- Films with blunt, heavy-handed messaging
- Graphic violence and disturbing themes
- Unconventional storytelling with genre-mixing and surreal elements
While The Balconettes is not a flawless film, it is undeniably bold and provocative. Whether you love it or hate it, it sparks conversation—and that, in itself, is a mark of a film worth discussing.
Conclusion
Noémie Merlant has crafted a film that is as chaotic as it is thought-provoking. While some viewers might find its feminist message empowering, others may see it as oversimplified and messy. Regardless, The Balconettes is a fascinating experiment in genre-blending, and it will be interesting to see where it lands in the cultural conversation.
Curious to see how The Balconettes unfolds? Keep an eye on JustWatch for streaming updates. In the meantime, if you enjoy feminist films with a dark twist, check out Promising Young Woman (2020) or Revenge (2017).
