As William prepares to travel with his girlfriend, Esmee, to his family home for his brother’s wedding, Esmee insists that he wear a bowtie to match her outfit even though he’s not comfortable in it. 

Once they arrive, William starts to question his relationship with Esmee when he sees glaring differences between his relationship dynamics and that of the couples around him. On her end, Esmee is on her best behavior, striving to be embraced by his entire family.  

Director's Statement

Our main objective with The Bow was to offer an intimate and evocative film that subtly examined the theme of an abusive relationship where the woman is the abuser. That itself is an alternative perspective on abusive relationships, subverting traditional narratives and allowing our audience to delve into the complex dynamics of power, control, and emotional manipulation through a new perspective.

Our intention was indeed not to perpetuate stereotypes or undermine the seriousness of abuse. But instead to examine the emotional, psychological, and societal factors that contribute to abusive dynamics, irrespective of gender. By presenting a narrative that deviates from traditional portrayals, we hope to foster a broader understanding of abuse and encourage meaningful discussions around it.

Since this film addresses a delicate and distressing subject matter, we approached it with the utmost sensitivity and responsibility. Our intention was not to glamorize or sensationalize abuse but to shed light on the psychological complexities that define these damaging relationships. Our visual style is therefore deliberately intimate while still not being invasive, capturing the intricate moments that expose the underlying tension and manipulation within the relationship between William and Esmée.

Whether we’re willing to admit it or not, we’ve all been the subject of an abusive relationship. Maybe it was only briefly at the workplace or in public; or maybe in a more intimate setting and for a longer period of time. Our point was to show how silent and discreet these dynamics can be and to underline the suffering that comes with them, faced by all individuals involved. We hope to foster empathy, understanding, and recognition of the diversity of experiences in order to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive society.

Crew

Marie Roubhan - Director

Half French, half Lebanese, Marie has always been passionate about cinema but she made a detour before beginning her career as a director.

After graduating from business school in Paris and London, she spent 7 years working for companies, mostly in marketing and strategy positions.

She moved to L.A. in 2021 to pursue a Directing Program at UCLA and now, she brings stories to the big screen herself, shifting between dark comedies and heavy dramas.

Her favorite part of the job is the people she works with as she loves the collective aspect of movie-making.

Juliette Poirier - Writer/ Producer

Juliette, a French producer, embarked on an international journey, studying Business and Finance across the globe, with notable stops in China and the Netherlands. Her academic voyage culminated in a Master's in Supply Chain in Paris.

However, life took her on a surprising twist, leading her into the enchanting world of the Film Industry. At UCLA, she delved into "Producing," ultimately producing five shorts, a music video, and contributing to various commercial sets. Recently, she even ventured into the world of feature films.

With a background as a logistic specialist, Juliette excels in optimizing budgets, managing crises, and nurturing client relationships. Today, she's primed to breathe life into creative ideas, bridging her business acumen with her newfound passion for cinema.

Audrey Biche - Cinematographer

Audrey Biche is a French cinematographer, raised between China and the Caribbean, based in Los Angeles. A recent graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory, she is a recipient of a Fulbright scholarship, a Georges Lurcy fellowship as well as an ASC Vision mentorship. Audrey has worked on narrative films as well as documentaries throughout France, Italy, Kenya, Bulgaria, and the USA. Her films have played at notable film festivals such as the Zagreb Film Festival, Raindance, Urbanworld, and Wicked Queer.