In us: the successful directorial debut of Juliette Binoche (review)

In her first documentary, Juliette Binoche goes behind the scenes of the creation of the dance show she performed with English choreographer Akram Khan. A new string to his already full bow.

During the 2010 César Awards, a sketch by Valérie Lermercier was ironic about the artistic eclecticism of a Juliette Binoche as demanding as egotistical. The person concerned had moderately appreciated seeing herself so caricatured. This En nous, first feature film directed by Binoche with… Binoche, could be a form of response. It is indeed a question of requirement. The year is 2005. The actress then begins rehearsals for a dance show with English choreographer Akram Khan. “It’s a question of art,” says the actress, “but we create with what we are and what we are not.” And in fact, this In us is the point of junction or even tension (never rupture) between two artists who seek to train the other in their respective discipline. Khan “empties” herself emotionally “playing”, while Binoche tirelessly synchronizes her steps on her partner with flexibility and effort.

This purely physical grace is beautiful to see in its very construction, made of constant questioning and analysis. Most of the documentary is, in fact, the story of a self-reflective work-in-progress. Therefore, the capture of the show in the last part appears both redundant and almost disappointing as it is impossible to restore its full extent over time. A frustration which does not prevent us from saluting the incredible performance at work. Valérie Lemercier was right, Binoche can do anything.

By Juliette Binoche. Duration: 2h07. Released June 3, 2026