Below Her Mouth

Beneath Her Mouth is a 2016 Canadian romantic drama film directed by Anne Fontaine. The film tells the story of Jasmine (played by Natalie Krill), a married woman who works as a graphic designer, and Dani (played by Erika Linder), a photographer and part-time male model. The film begins with Jasmine and her husband, Tom (played by Sebastien Roberts), having a tumultuous marriage that lacks intimacy and passion. They are in the process of adopting a child, but their relationship has become unfulfilling and stagnant. Jasmine has started to develop feelings for Ross (played by Tom McGivas), one of her coworkers, but their relationship remains platonic and limited. Meanwhile, Jasmine attends a play where Dani is performing as a male lead. They lock eyes across the stage, and Jasmine is immediately drawn to Dani's charisma and presence. Dani, unaware of Jasmine's feelings at the time, has her eyes on Jasmine, and the audience sees a spark of attraction between them. Their paths finally cross at a lesbian bar in Montreal, where Jasmine gathers the courage to introduce herself to Dani. Despite initial hesitation, they start to talk and bond over their shared love of music and art. The conversation is furtive but engaging, and Jasmine finds herself feeling an undeniable connection to Dani. Their encounter is not just a casual meetup, and as their conversation becomes more personal, it becomes clear that the connection between them is deep-seated. Jasmine agrees to meet Dani again, and this time, their interactions become increasingly intimate. The physical and emotional connection between them grows stronger with each passing moment. As their relationship blossoms, Jasmine finds herself torn between her growing attraction to Dani and her responsibilities at home with Tom. Her guilt is compounded by the fact that she feels trapped in her marriage. Meanwhile, Dani's identity as a trans woman offers a fascinating glimpse into her struggles to navigate the complexities of her identity and her physical presence in the world. The themes of the film, aside from romance and lust, revolve around identity and the fluidity of self. Dani's journey with her gender identity raises awareness and understanding of what it means to live a life that defies societal norms. Her candor and openness not only shake up Jasmine's perceptions but also mirror a larger societal shift towards greater acceptance and inclusivity. Beneath Her Mouth meanders through themes of identity, sex, and the fluidity of self but does not shy away from making pointed statements about the oppressive nature of societal norms. One of the primary critiques of the film revolves around its portrayal of Dani, a trans woman, as an instrument in Jasmine's journey towards self-discovery. While the film's narrative trajectory is intended to provide insight and empathy, it inadvertently replicates the problem of homogenizing diverse experiences and identities to serve the needs of the dominant narrative. The connection between Jasmine and Dani becomes increasingly potent, and the chemistry between Natalie Krill and Erika Linder is undeniable. Their on-screen relationship unfolds as an authentic representation of two women finding solace, comfort, and deep affection for one another. Beneath Her Mouth encourages viewers to explore the spaces where passion and social identity intersect, provoking introspection and empathy. Delving deeper into the nitty-gritty of the main characters' lives, it is clear that Beneath Her Mouth dares to tarry in the messy terrain of love, identity, and acceptance. Both Jasmine and Dani begin to question their lives, but through this process, they discover untold dimensions of themselves and allow their deep affection to thrive. Beneath Her Mouth provides a stunning and dramatic portrayal of an authentic same-sex relationship that brings with it the tension of uncertainty, freedom, and the beautiful heart-stopping reality of two connected souls unfolding together.