Géraldine Nakache’s new film, Si tu penses bien ("If You Think Well"), is a psychological thriller that examines themes of marital control and religious radicalism. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in May, the film stars Monia Chokri and Niels Schneider and is set for a theatrical release on September 16, 2026. The story follows Gil, a woman who meets Jacques, a practicing Jew, during a trip to Dubai after the death of her cousin. Their relationship leads to a pregnancy, a religious marriage, and the birth of their daughter, Thaïs. The family then moves to Fontainebleau, a town in France, where Gil begins to adopt stricter religious practices, including the mikvé—a Jewish ritual bath—while stepping away from her career to focus on raising her daughter.
As the film progresses, it delves into the complex power dynamics within Gil and Jacques’s relationship. While the initial stages of their marriage appear harmonious, the narrative gradually reveals a growing sense of control and submission on Gil’s part. Nakache describes the film as an exploration of the "web of control" that often affects women in such relationships, using religious practices as a framework for male dominance. The mikvé becomes a recurring symbol, reflecting the emotional shifts and growing tension in Gil’s life.
Nakache’s direction emphasizes the internal struggles of her protagonist, using close-up camera work and minimal background music to immerse the viewer in Gil’s perspective. Monia Chokri delivers a compelling performance, capturing the emotional complexity of a woman trapped in an increasingly isolating situation. Niels Schneider portrays Jacques as a charismatic yet toxic figure, whose reassuring mantra—"if you think well, only good will happen to you"—becomes a chilling reminder of the psychological manipulation at play.
Supporting characters, including Gil’s mother, played by Clémentine Célarié, add depth to the narrative, highlighting the broader social and familial pressures that contribute to Gil’s transformation. The film’s release by distributor Pan Distribution marks the culmination of Nakache’s vision, offering a powerful critique of how religious extremism can be used as a tool for control, wrapped in the guise of love and devotion.
French Film Explores Religious Radicalism and Marital Control in New Drama
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