by Lopa K

Based on the first bearded lady who made her name as an attraction, Stéphanie Di Giusto gives us the heartwrenching melodrama, Rosalie in 2023 Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section. Rosalie is a beautiful woman, the epitome of femininity and grace, as she holds herself high and has a soft nature. However, she and her father trick Abel into marrying her. What makes it strange and surprising is that he is not rich, he is not young, he is not healthy, so what makes them so eager to trap him?

Photo © 2023 TRESOR FILMS - GAUMONT - LDRPII - ARTÉMIS PRODUCTIONS

Even when she is unhappy, Rosalie does her best to make sure that Abel doesn't spurn her. But it is all for naught when her secret is revealed. Due to a hormonal disorder, she has excess body hair to the extent that she can even grow a full beard. A shocked Abel proves her fears right as he immediately goes from a loving husband to a cold, brash man who rejects Rosalie for her nature which she has no control over. His disgust of her body quickly changes to need to keep his reputation and honour by having a 'normal' wife. And it may not seem a big deal in today's age to settle down, but in the previous century, a woman of not many means could only survive with a husband.

Despite being hated by Abel, Rosalie has to make the marriage work otherwise she will be ruined, a spinster, a strange woman, an idea that she is already familiar with. But when her secret is out, the reaction is similar to being a spinster, she is considered weird, a monster, deemed unnatural, a bad influence on the women and children in a puritan community. Abel's sexuality is questioned, Rosalie's gender becomes a target of jeers and mockery and anyone who is her friend is considered to have been lured by her witchcraft.

Even her husband has trouble accepting her. He tries not to look her way when she initially grows her beard for a bet with the local boy. Before the world accepts her, before she accepts herself, the camera skirts around her face, we only see hints of a beard such as in periphery, from behind, or when the light goes out. It simply focuses on the feminine side of her, her fingers, her silhouette, her clothed back. But once she is welcomed with open arms albeit for a short while, her beard is not shown as something shameful, but something natural. Abel's behaviour changes as well even though he cannot fully understand her, he continues to worry, but now for her as some openly humiliate her.

But amidst the fear of what is not the norm, Rosalie thrives even if it is just for a while. She embraces her hairy side and grows her beard as a way to attract customers to Abel's tavern. Her ambition grows as a circus owner and journalist both encourage her to show off her gift to the world. And it is not just this beautiful tale of acceptance that makes for a good watch. As a Cannes selection, of course the film is technically exceptional from the fitted costumes hiding yet accentuating Rosalie's unnatural nature. Optimistic music made up of the same haunting violin of the beginning changes melodies as Rosalie goes from being afraid of her face to accepting herself. However it is not enough as the world is not kind to those who are different. The film Rosalie stays true to this phenomenon but still it is sad to see such an ending. While there is character growth for the couple, it's not enough for the world which makes it a bittersweet but quite a sad and discouraging story.