"Je Te Mangerais" (2009), directed by Sophie Laloy and released in English as "You Will Be Mine," is a French drama that explores a complex and emotionally charged relationship between two young women. The film follows Marie (Judith Davis), a talented pianist who moves to Lyon to study at a prestigious conservatory. Due to financial constraints, she shares an apartment with Emma (Isild Le Besco), a childhood friend who has lived alone since her father’s death and her mother’s departure. What begins as a seemingly practical arrangement soon spirals into a tense and unsettling dynamic as Emma’s possessiveness and fascination with Marie intensify.
The film’s strength lies in its performances. Judith Davis brings a quiet vulnerability to Marie, effectively conveying her struggle between her passion for music and the suffocating pull of Emma’s attention. Isild Le Besco, meanwhile, shines as the enigmatic and troubled Emma, whose volatility keeps the audience on edge. Her portrayal balances fragility and menace, making Emma a compelling, if disturbing, figure. The chemistry between the two leads drives the narrative, creating a palpable sense of unease as their relationship oscillates between friendship, attraction, and psychological manipulation.
Laloy’s direction opts for a slow, naturalistic pace, emphasizing atmosphere over sensationalism. The film avoids the tropes of a lurid thriller, instead focusing on the subtleties of emotional dependency and control. The classical music woven throughout—featuring works by composers like Schumann, Ravel, and Chopin—serves as both a backdrop and a reflection of Marie’s inner turmoil, though some critics have noted this device can feel heavy-handed at times. The Lyon setting, with its moody urban landscapes, adds to the film’s introspective tone.
However, "Je Te Mangerais" is not without flaws. The deliberate pacing, while atmospheric, can drag, leaving some viewers wanting more momentum or a clearer resolution. The script, co-written by Laloy, Eric Veniard, and Jean-Luc Gaget, occasionally leans on familiar territory—echoing films like "Single White Female" or "La Tourneuse de Pages"—without fully distinguishing itself. The ambiguity of the characters’ motivations, while intriguing, sometimes feels underdeveloped, leaving the story’s emotional stakes less impactful than they could be.