Times change, we move forward, but do we ever truly progress? It could be the past centuries or even in the present 21st century and queer people will somehow always find themselves envied, despised or violated. We are beautiful real people, but yet somehow never fully understood. It is even worse in the context of relationships and to explore this in cinema feels so relevant and necessary that the results are heartbreaking.
Three years after their separation, 20 years of being together, and Clemence (Vicky Krieps) finally finds the chance to live her true self. Meeting up with her ex-husband Laurent (Antoine Reinartz) one summer day, she tells him that she has had relationships with women. Though she wants to be transparent, this revelation turns her life completely upside down. He files to strip her of her rights to their son Paul (Viggo Ferreira-Redier). Laurent’s claims take the two down a several year long struggle and forces Clemence to defend her right to be a mother and to still be her true self: free to make whatever choices she chooses.
Love Me Tender is truly tender and pure in its heart. Writer-director Anna Cazenave Cambet has the female perspective held at the highest importance. This is clear from the moment she introduces her audience to Clemence. The intimacy we share as viewers with her sticks through until well beyond the film’s end. We might not always understand her choices and behaviour, but as we witness a new growth and experience, even the younger female viewer cannot help but connect with Clemence.
Choosing Krieps as the protagonist brings a greater compassion element to the character. As an actor she is soft and complex. Just as Clemence has so many layers and perspectives, Krieps brings these even further on display. Transporting us from discovering her queerness later in life to the heartbreak as she remains separated from her son. Krieps can portray it all with a simple change in facial expression. Mixed with the emotion is the soothing voice as she narrates the story; both past and present.
Cambet’s script and story is complex, to say the least. Her choices for Clemence leave us wondering why, but at times it ultimately remains true for how anyone could potentially act in her situation. You are trying to discover who you are while being forced away from your child. Of course decisions will be wild and rash.
Where we can find ourselves overly invested is in a hatred and anger towards Laurent. His character and portrayal is a monster who you cannot stand. Giving us all the more reason to want to support Clemence. There might be minor issues with the world in which she finds herself in. Love Me Tender is ultimately about one woman’s experience in finding her purpose without her son and coming out late in life.
After its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and attending BFI’s London Film Festival in October 2025, Love Me Tender is finally set to release in UK cinemas on Friday, August 7, 2026. Be careful when you watch it as it will tear at your heartstrings. A newly discovered queer woman goes through possibly one of the most difficult struggles. A heartfelt and tender journey; reminding us of all one can face through the pity, envy and hate in the world and how perseverance can be the most important element of all.
