Becoming Marilyn

Synopsis

Becoming Marilyn (original title: Devenir Marilyn) is a 2022 French drama directed by Irene Dion and starring Agnès Jaoui in a captivating performance. The film delves into the life of a vulnerable woman who becomes obsessed with transforming herself into the iconic figure of Marilyn Monroe. This intimate portrait navigates themes of identity, self-perception, and the quest for beauty, exploring the psychological turmoil behind the desire to emulate a legend. With nuanced storytelling and strong character development, Becoming Marilyn offers a poignant reflection on fame, loneliness, and the cost of idealization, all set against a compelling narrative that engages audiences emotionally throughout its runtime.

Cast

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  Agnès Jaoui

  Self - Narrator (voice)

• 

  Georgia Scalliet

  Marilyn (voice)

• 

  Marilyn Monroe

  Self (archive footage)

Reviews

The reception for Becoming Marilyn has been generally positive with critics praising Agnès Jaoui's compelling and layered performance. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating around 75%, highlighting the strong character work and emotional depth, although some reviewers note that the pacing feels uneven at times. Critics from Le Monde commended the film for its sensitive handling of complex subject matter and its atmospheric cinematography, describing it as "a moving exploration of identity and longing." However, some less favorable reviews pointed out that the storyline occasionally leans into melodrama, which might detract from its realism. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 65 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews but with some reservations about the narrative's cohesion. IMDb user ratings average around 6.8/10, reflecting appreciation for its performances but mixed reactions to its slower moments. Overall, Becoming Marilyn is recognized as a thoughtful and artistically ambitious film that resonates with audiences interested in introspective character studies.