What Is Leaving About?
The premise of Leaving in 289 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑drenched hills of the south of France, an elegant estate becomes both sanctuary and cage for Suzanne, an Englishwoman whose days are defined by a perfectly ordered routine and a marriage that feels increasingly like a contract. The landscape is painted in muted pastels, the heat hanging heavy over manicured gardens, while the quiet opulence of the house mirrors the composure she has learned to wear like a uniform. Beneath the polished surface, a restlessness simmers, hinting at a longing for something beyond the respectable life she has built.
The arrival of Ivan, a rugged former convict hired to construct an office for Suzanne’s physiotherapy practice, introduces a crack in the carefully kept façade. His hands, still marked by a past that refuses to stay hidden, move with a raw, unapologetic confidence that awakens a dormant sensuality in Suzanne. Their interactions are charged with a tension that feels both modern and timeless, echoing classic stories of forbidden desire while remaining rooted in the film’s contemporary, almost tactile realism. The chemistry between them is whispered through lingering glances, the brush of a fingertip, and the unspoken promise of a world where body and mind might finally align.
Across the garden, Samuel watches the unraveling of his carefully managed domain. A successful businessman accustomed to controlling every aspect of his life, he employs subtle pressures—financial constraints, veiled threats—to keep Suzanne within his sphere. The atmosphere thickens with a quiet power struggle, where the allure of freedom battles the weight of societal expectations and personal duty. As the summer light deepens, the estate becomes a stage for an unspoken contest of wills, leaving viewers to wonder whether the yearning for liberation will outpace the forces that seek to contain it.
What Happens in Leaving?
The complete story of Leaving, from the first scene to the last, in 476 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
There have been countless adaptations of D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover over the past eight decades, to the point where it has nearly become its own genre. Yet, few interpretations have effectively captured Lawrence’s exploration of the psychological necessity to unify mind and body into a single life force as well as Catherine Corsini’s Leaving.
In this film, we follow Suzanne, portrayed by Kristin Scott-Thomas, an English woman yearning to free herself from her French husband, Samuel, played by Yvan Attal. Her desire for emancipation intensifies after entering into a passionate entanglement with Ivan, an ex-convict portrayed by Sergi López, who is hired to construct an office for her physiotherapy practice in the backyard of their affluent estate. Samuel employs every tactic available to him—from cutting off her financial resources to threatening imprisonment for her lover—in a desperate attempt to confine her to their home until Suzanne ultimately realizes there is but one path to freedom.
Both Corsini and Scott-Thomas deserve commendation for transforming what could easily be regarded as a worn-out narrative into a striking film that simultaneously champions erotic self-discovery and critiques patriarchal dominance. Corsini’s knack for precision shines through in her script and direction. The film’s portrayal of the couple’s first kiss is a masterful moment captured in a long shot from an ambiguous angle, prompting the audience to ponder whether anything significant transpired. The scene then transitions to a car ride; viewers anticipate dialogue addressing the kiss, yet it never materializes, and we see Suzanne next in bed with her husband—reading, seemingly unable to find solace in sleep.
Scott-Thomas delivers a performance marked by exacting physicality. At the beginning of the film, she presents as a collection of limbs lacking cohesion, observing her own body with a curious sense of wonder. Her initial encounter with Ivan unfolds through a kind of paralyzed clinginess, akin to a lifeless battery recharging itself. Before she attains the ultimate balance between body and mind, a transformation occurs that leads her husband to accurately yet derogatorily label her as a “bitch in heat.”
Samuel’s wrath over Suzanne’s betrayal erupts with the incredulous fury of a factory owner facing a strike from his workers. “You are my wife!” he bellows, reducing her to mere ownership devoid of personal identity. The once civility between the estranged couple shatters, giving way to a fierce battle born from their broken marriage.
By transgressing both class boundaries and the traditional limits of sexual loyalty, Suzanne forfeits her bourgeois comforts and becomes ensnared in the relentless economic oppression wielded by those who control the strings of finance—from banks to the justice system. Ultimately, the lovers emerge as fugitives, reveling in the abundance of the natural world, while the faint wails of police sirens serve as a haunting reminder of Raymond Chandler’s adage: you can bid farewell to just about anything, except the authorities.
Leaving Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Suzanne's Yearning for Freedom” to “Final Realization”. 2 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Suzanne's Yearning for Freedom
The film opens with Suzanne, an English woman, feeling trapped in her marriage to her French husband, Samuel. She begins to deeply desire emancipation from the confines of her affluent life, setting the stage for her transformative journey.
- 2
Meeting Ivan
Suzanne's life takes a pivotal turn when she hires Ivan, an ex-convict, to build an office for her physiotherapy practice. Their encounter sparks an intense physical and emotional chemistry that ignites Suzanne’s longing for freedom.
Where:Suzanne's backyard
- 3
The First Kiss
In a beautifully shot scene, Suzanne and Ivan share their first kiss, symbolizing the awakening of her desires. The ambiguity of the moment lingers in the air, leaving both the characters and the audience unsettled.
- 4
Struggling with Solace
Following her first kiss with Ivan, Suzanne goes home and lies in bed next to her husband, Samuel, still unable to find solace. Instead of finding peace, she grapples with her conflicting emotions and the reality of her marriage.
Where:Suzanne's bedroom
- 5
Physicality and Transformation
Suzanne's initial portrayal is of a woman lost in her own body, lacking balance between mind and self. Her physical transformation begins as she sheds her previous identity and starts embodying her newfound desires.
- 6
Samuel's Fury
Upon discovering Suzanne's betrayal, Samuel erupts in uncontrollable rage, reducing Suzanne to a mere possession. This powerful confrontation shatters any remaining civility in their relationship, revealing the deep cracks in their marriage.
- 7
Class Boundaries Transgressed
Suzanne's affair with Ivan complicates her social standing as she begins to challenge the class boundaries imposed upon her. This act of defiance comes at a cost, as she must navigate the implications of her choices on her bourgeois lifestyle.
- 8
The Battle for Independence
As tensions between Suzanne and Samuel escalate, a fierce battle over her independence ensues. Samuel's attempts to control her escalate, revealing the corrosive nature of their broken marriage and his desperation to maintain dominance.
- 9
Economic Oppression
Suzanne's decision to pursue her desires comes with significant consequences, entangling her further in the economic oppression of the world around her. She realizes that she is caught in a web spun by financial powers beyond her control.
- 10
Becoming Fugitives
In the culmination of their passionate affair, Suzanne and Ivan find themselves fleeing together, now fugitives of society. Their escape represents not only a physical flight from Samuel but also an awakening to the beauty and freedom of the natural world around them.
Show the other 5 events of Leaving Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Wails of Police Sirens
As they bask in their freedom, the distant wails of police sirens remind them of the consequences that follow their choices. This haunting sound stands as a metaphor for their precarious situation and the ever-present shadows of authority.
- 12
Embracing Self-Discovery
The journey Suzanne undertakes leads her toward a significant personal transformation and a deeper understanding of herself. Through her encounters with Ivan, she champions erotic self-discovery amidst the chaos of her relational struggles.
- 13
Critique of Patriarchy
The film serves as a poignant critique of patriarchal structures that attempt to dictate woman’s identity and desires. Suzanne’s rebellion against Samuel’s oppressive behavior symbolizes a broader commentary on women's fight for autonomy.
- 14
Lawrence's Legacy
The story reflects D.H. Lawrence's themes of unification of mind and body, presenting a modern adaptation of this classic narrative. Catherine Corsini skillfully intertwines these themes with contemporary social issues, enriching the film's depth.
- 15
Final Realization
In the end, Suzanne comes to a profound realization about the essence of her own life force. Embracing both her mind and body, she steps into her future with newfound confidence and independence, liberated from her past.
Who Are the Main Characters in Leaving?
3 characters, among them Suzanne, Samuel and Ivan: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Suzanne
Played by Kristin Scott Thomas
Suzanne is portrayed as a complex character, initially trapped in an emotionally suffocating marriage. Her yearning for freedom leads her to engage in a passionate affair, illustrating her struggle for autonomy and self-realization. As she navigates her desires and ambitions, her journey encapsulates the conflicts between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
- 👩🦰 Protagonist
- 💪 Empowerment
-
Samuel
Played by Yvan Attal
Samuel is a controlling figure in Suzanne's life, embodying the patriarchal constraints of their marriage. His reaction to Suzanne's affair reveals his desperation to maintain power over her, leading to emotional and psychological conflict. Despite his authority, his character illustrates the vulnerabilities and fears that accompany such dominance.
- 🧔 Antagonist
- ⚔️ Control
-
Ivan
Played by Sergi López
Ivan serves as a catalyst for Suzanne's transformation, representing both a romantic interest and a challenge to her constrained life. His ex-convict status and physical presence inject excitement and danger into the narrative, pushing Suzanne to confront her real desires and the societal repercussions of her choices.
- 🧑🎤 Love Interest
- 🎭 Rebellion
Where and When Is Leaving Set?
Leaving is set in France. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film reflects a contemporary setting where themes of marital discord and economic oppression resonate with modern societal issues. Characters grapple with challenges that mirror the complexities of today's relationships and gender dynamics, making the narrative relatable to current audiences.
Where
France
The movie primarily takes place in France, particularly in the affluent suburban estate of Suzanne and Samuel. This environment signifies luxury yet also confines, showcasing the contrast between outward appearances and the emotional turmoil inside the household. The estate becomes a battleground for personal freedom and oppressive control.
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🏡 Suburban Estate
What Are the Themes of Leaving?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Self-Discovery and Patriarchy.
-
01
Betrayal
The theme of betrayal is central to Suzanne's journey as she seeks emotional and physical freedom from her husband. The passionate affair with Ivan represents a rebellion against her husband's control and the constraints of their marriage. This emotional upheaval challenges societal norms regarding fidelity and personal identity.
-
02
Self-Discovery
Through her struggles, Suzanne embarks on a path of self-discovery that involves reconnecting with her body and desires. The film beautifully captures her transformation, emphasizing the necessity of personal liberation and the union of mind and body. This theme encourages audiences to reflect on their own journeys toward authenticity and fulfillment.
-
03
Patriarchy
The film critiques patriarchal dominance, particularly through Samuel's attempts to control Suzanne's choices and identity. His possessive view of marriage reduces Suzanne's individuality to mere ownership, reflecting broader societal trends of male authority. This confrontation serves as a significant commentary on gender roles and power dynamics in relationships.
What Kind of Film Is Leaving?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and emotionally heavy drama about a woman's passionate affair and desperate escape from a suffocating marriage, fueled by erotic discovery but shadowed by oppressive control and societal consequences.
- tense
- oppressive
- passionate
- claustrophobic
- melancholic
- desperate
- infidelity
- marital crisis
- sexual awakening
- patriarchal oppression
Content notes: marital infidelity, financial abuse, psychological manipulation, nudity, explicit sex.
Quiz
How well do you remember Leaving? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Leaving
Stream it on Philo. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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