The Balconettes Review: Fearless and an Unpredictable Ride!

A heatwave scorches Marseille as The Balconettes unfolds, a bold and stylized horror-comedy directed by Noémie Merlant. Known for her magnetic screen presence in films like Portrait of a Lady on Fire and TÁR, Merlant now steps behind the camera to co-write and direct a film that blends satire, suspense, and blood-soaked chaos. With a cast that includes Souheila Yacoub, Sanda Codreanu, Lucas Bravo, and Merlant herself, the film centers on three fiercely independent women who observe—and occasionally interfere with—their neighborhood from the vantage point of their sunny balcony.

Related – “Snorkeling” Review: Visceral and Personal!

The story orbits around these three roommates living together in a cramped apartment during a relentless Marseille summer. With nothing much to do but sweat, drink, and comment on the strange behaviors of those living nearby, the trio finds both entertainment and empowerment in their balcony-bound observations. Their lives take a sharp turn after a late-night visit from a neighbor leads to an unexpected act of violence. From that point forward, the film veers into more disturbing territory, unraveling the emotional and psychological toll of their actions. Tonally, it dances between absurdity and dread, shifting gears with startling confidence as the heatwave starts to feel more like a pressure cooker.

Visually, The Balconettes is a knockout. The film bursts with saturated hues, expressive lighting, and an aesthetic so vivid you can almost feel the sweat on the characters’ skin. Production design is a standout—cluttered balconies, the busy neighborhood—all adding texture to the sensory overload. The vibrant color palette does more than just please the eye; it reinforces the delirium of the setting and the escalating tension among the characters. Every frame feels sun-drenched and carefully composed, reflecting the chaos and beauty of this peculiar little world.

What caught me completely off guard was the film’s sudden tonal shift. I went in blind—as I often prefer to—without watching the trailer or reading any synopsis, expecting a quirky slice-of-life comedy about three women and their balcony banter. But what starts as a breezy, sunlit satire quickly morphs into something darker and more gripping. The transformation from light-hearted mischief to horror-thriller is handled with such confidence that it feels like a cinematic sleight of hand. One moment you’re laughing along with their observations, the next you’re staring in disbelief as things spiral into blood and dread. That unpredictability made the experience all the more captivating.

Credit must go to the three leads, who carry the film with a fierce, lived-in chemistry. Souheila Yacoub is electric, commanding attention in every scene with both strength and vulnerability. Sanda Codreanu brings a more grounded presence, anchoring the trio with nuance and subtlety. Noémie Merlant, in addition to directing, gives a performance that’s playful, intense, and slightly unhinged in the best way. Together, they make their characters feel like real people—messy, bold, chaotic, and deeply connected. Their dynamic is what holds the film together even when the plot takes wild, unexpected turns.

Ultimately, The Balconettes is a rare film that defies easy categorization. It’s gorgeous to look at, full of personality, and constantly shifting in tone without ever losing its grip. Noémie Merlant proves she’s just as skilled behind the camera as she is in front of it. This is a fearless and unpredictable ride—funny, unsettling, and strangely moving all at once.

‘The Balconettes’ Rating – 3.75/5