'The Balconettes' Review: Noémie Merlant's Wicked Voyeuristic Thriller Is Pure Summer Cinema Gold
- Romey Norton
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - August 8, 2025
A Scorching Revenge Horror-Comedy That Transforms Neighborly Nosiness Into Blood-Soaked Brilliance.
In the scorching heat of a Marseille summer, three young women discover that being nosy neighbors can be a deadly game. Noémie Merlant's sophomore directorial effort, The Balconettes, is a wickedly entertaining genre-bender that transforms the simple act of people-watching into a visceral exploration of voyeurism, friendship, and consequence.
What is the film 'The Balconettes' about?
The premise is deceptively simple: Ruby (Souheila Yacoub), Belle (Sanda Codreanu), and Yazmin (Noémie Merlant herself) spend their evenings perched on their apartment balcony, gleefully dissecting the private lives of their neighbours below. We’ve all played that game before when people-watching, but we’ve never thought of the deadly consequences. What begins as harmless entertainment quickly escalates when alcohol, poor judgment, and a late-night confrontation transform their voyeuristic hobby into something far more sinister.
Merlant, who captivated audiences in Portrait of a Lady on Fire and TÁR, proves herself equally adept behind the camera. Her direction maintains a delicate balance between dark comedy and genuine tension, never allowing the audience to get too comfortable with the protagonists' increasingly questionable behaviour.
The ensemble cast delivers excellent performances, with Yacoub (recently seen in Dune: Part Two) bringing a magnetic energy to Ruby that makes her both likable and unsettling. Codreanu provides the film's emotional anchor, while Merlant's performance as Yazmin showcases her range as both actor and filmmaker. Even Lucas Bravo, departing from his Emily in Paris charm, contributes meaningfully to the film's volatile dynamic.
Their acting is aided by the wonderfully written script. The conversations feel natural, and they flow effortlessly. The characters are rich in their story, and to take something we all do daily and turn it into a thriller-comedy is clever storytelling.
What sets The Balconettes apart from other typical thrillers is Merlant's refusal to play by conventional genre rules. The film shifts between dark comedy, psychological thriller, and horror with seamless confidence, creating something that feels both familiar and completely fresh. However, some viewers may find the transition from comedy to violence too abrupt, though this reviewer would argue that's precisely the point; violence often erupts unexpectedly from seemingly innocent situations.
There’s a very funny and gruesome scene where the girls are trying to move a dead body and end up screaming (naturally), and when someone comes to the door, they pretend they’re having great sex for the people not to be suspicious. It’s ridiculous, and it works.
Like all good French cinema, they handle nudity without it being sexualised. There’s something very freeing about women walking around with their boobs out. There are some graphic scenes, but they’re handled with care and show the female experience.
Cinematographically, the film brilliantly uses its confined balcony setting, creating intimacy and claustrophobia in equal measure. The colours used throughout are bright and engaging, like a balcony covered in flowers and fairy lights, a bright red dress, and busy bedrooms. It’s all filled with eye-grabbing detail.
The film's 1 hour and 44 minute runtime occasionally feels rushed, particularly in its final act, where certain character motivations could have been explored more deeply. However, these minor quibbles don't detract from what is ultimately a bold and engaging piece of cinema.
A Fresh Voice in European Cinema
Following her acclaimed directorial debut, Merlant continues to establish herself as a filmmaker worth watching. The Balconettes demonstrates her ability to craft narratives that are entertaining and thought-provoking, questioning our tendencies toward voyeurism, relationships, friendships, sisterhood, and death.
The Verdict: Essential Viewing for Adventurous Moviegoers
The Balconettes is the kind of fearless, original filmmaking that reminds us why cinema matters. For viewers seeking something beyond the typical Hollywood fare, Merlant's horror-comedy offers an intoxicating blend of wit, style, and genuine surprise. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in bold European cinema and innovative genre filmmaking.
'The Balconettes' releases in select cinemas August 22
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