Mariages (2001)

Quebec filmmaker Catherine Martin makes her feature debut with this drama about a 19th century woman struggling against oppressive Victorian social norms. A born sensualist, 20-year-old Yvonne loves nothing more than the beauty of the forest, the smell of mountain air, and the bracing crispness of stream water against her naked skin. Her elder sister, Helene, could not be more different -- strict, prudish, and proud of her virtuous manners. Yvonne's penchant for skinny-dipping particularly scandalizes Helene, and she tries to forbid her from partaking in such unseemly activities. One day while swimming in her favorite spot, Yvonne is seen by Charles, the rakish scion of a wealthy local. As she desperately tries to hide and cover herself, Charles strips and takes a dip himself. Immediately, Yvonne is in love. Unfortunately, Yvonne soon learns that Charles is promised to none other than her sister. Demanding the passion that she craves, Yvonne sets out to make Charles hers. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival.