David Magee

What distinguishes Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’s new version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover is her explicit portrayal of overpowering female lust, along with explosive issues still relevant. They include: class divisions, male dominance and victimization of workers, and subservience of women through control of their bodies and behavior, in part because of gossip, ostracism, and shame. In addition, multiple dysfunctional relationships contrast with Lady Chatterley and Oliver, who himself has an ex-wife demanding financial support.

French actress-turned-director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (The Mustang) delivers an affair to remember in her new Netflix adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s classic tale. The film succeeds on the red-hot chemistry between leads Emma Corrin and Jack O’Connell in the (many) sex scenes. While mostly faithful to Lawrence’s novel and even previous adaptations, de Clermont-Tonnerre films the story from Connie’s point of view, as a journey of personal erotic awakening.