- IT Boy (20 ans d’écart)
Alice Lantins, a 38-year-old successful fashion magazine editor, is ambitious, somewhat stern, and distant—doing whatever it takes to climb the career ladder. On her flight back from Brazil, she loses a USB drive, which is found and returned by the handsome 19-20-year-old student Balthazar. A photo coincidentally taken of them spreads on social media, leading everyone to believe Alice is in a romantic relationship with this young man. This “scandalous” image makes her appear more “cool” and modern in her boss’s eyes—perfectly aligning with the magazine’s vibe! Alice decides to keep up the lie and pretends to be in a fake relationship with Balthazar. But over time, things get serious, and the fake romance turns real…The film humorously tackles society’s judgmental views on age differences. It handles the classic “cougar” (older woman-younger man) theme in a light, fun, and romantic way—the forbidden feel comes from that.
Standout Features:
- Virginie Efira’s amazing performance: She brilliantly portrays both the strong career woman and her emotionally vulnerable side.
- Pierre Niney’s charm: He’s very natural in the young, energetic, and innocent role.
- Paris’s stylish locations, fashion world details, and fun dialogues.
- Typical French romantic comedy vibe: Light, predictable, but enjoyable to watch.
Why It’s on Forbidden Relationship Lists?
It features a 20-year age gap, exploring a relationship society deems “inappropriate.” Starting fake and turning into real love, it poses the question to viewers: “Does age difference hinder love?”Recommended For: Fans of romantic comedies, those interested in age-gap relationship themes, French cinema lovers. Ideal for a light evening movie!
2) The Boy Next Door – 2015
Plot:
Claire Peterson is a classical literature teacher and a recently divorced mother. She’s lonely and vulnerable after separating from her cheating husband. The handsome 19-year-old Noah moves in next door—he’s the same age as her son and helps her with chores around the house. One night, in a moment of weakness, Claire has a passionate encounter with Noah, thinking it’s just a one-night thing.
But for Noah, it’s not just one night. He turns out to be obsessive, manipulative, and dangerous. When Claire regrets it and wants to end things, Noah’s dark side comes out: threats, blackmail, violence… The film is a full-on “wrong person, deadly relationship” story.
Why You Should Watch It ?
A nostalgic and fun guilty pleasure for those who miss the classic 90s erotic thriller vibe (Fatal Attraction style).
Jennifer Lopez’s charismatic performance carries the film; she is quite convincing in the role of a fragile yet strong woman.
With its short runtime (91 minutes) and fast-paced scenes, it offers brainless, trashy entertainment—so over-the-top that it’s unintentionally funny at times.
Despite its low budget, it was a box office success and is a perfect hit for fans of campy (over-the-top, kitschy) thrillers.
Who Will Enjoy It ?
Fans of erotic thrillers and stalker-themed films (Fatal Attraction, Swimfan, Single White Female).
Those who enjoy watching “bad but fun” movies with friends and making fun of them.
Jennifer Lopez fans and those who enjoy forbidden love stories involving age gaps.
Those looking for a mix of light horror, drama, and steamy scenes – don’t expect depth, it’s purely entertainment-focused!
3) The Reader – 2008
In 1958, in post-war Germany, 15-year-old Michael Berg (David Kross) begins a passionate and secret relationship with the much older, mysterious Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet). Hanna particularly enjoys Michael reading her works of classical literature. Years later, Michael, now a law student, finds his former lover standing before him as a defendant in a war crimes trial. The film is an emotional drama that deeply explores themes of love, guilt, shame, and confronting the past.
Why You Should Watch It?
Kate Winslet’s magnificent performance: She portrays a complex and controversial character with incredible depth. She won an Oscar for this role!
A thought-provoking story about guilt, forgiveness, and the gray areas of human nature; one that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it.
An impressive adaptation that explores individual tragedies in the shadow of the Holocaust, intertwined with history a romantic yet unsettling experience.
Who Will Enjoy It?
Viewers who enjoy dramas with deep character analysis and moral dilemmas.
Those interested in forbidden love stories involving age-gap / “cougar” dynamics.
Fans of historical dramas about the Holocaust and post-war Germany (in the vein of Schindler’s List and The Pianist).
Kate Winslet fans and adult viewers who prefer Oscar-winning, high-quality productions — this is not a light watch, but a powerful, emotionally heavy choice for a serious movie night.
4) Adore (2013) – A Taboo-Breaking Forbidden Love Story
Short Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
In a quiet coastal town in Australia, Lil and Roz are two inseparable friends who have been close since childhood and continue to live side by side as adults. Their sons, Ian and Tom, are the same age and best friends as well. Both women are either widowed or alone, living calm, predictable lives. However, one summer, the dynamic between these four begins to shift in unexpected ways, leading to relationships that push emotional and social boundaries. The film offers an intimate exploration of love, friendship, motherhood, and social norms.
Why You Should Watch It
- Outstanding performances by Naomi Watts and Robin Wright — their chemistry is the film’s strongest asset.
- Stunning Australian coastal scenery and a calm, visually mesmerizing atmosphere.
- Tackles a taboo subject with emotional depth and without judgment, pushing the viewer to question what is “right” and “wrong.”
- Contains light erotic elements, but the real focus is on emotions and relationships — layered and far from superficial.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Fans of forbidden-love and taboo-themed dramas (e.g., The Reader or Notes on a Scandal).
- Viewers interested in films about strong female characters and deep friendships.
- Naomi Watts or Robin Wright fans.
- Adult audiences who enjoy unsettling yet thought-provoking stories — emotionally intense, not light viewing.
5) Malèna (2000)
Short Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
Set in a small Sicilian town in the 1940s, the story is told through the eyes of 13-year-old Renato. Malèna, the most beautiful woman in town, is left alone while her husband is away at war. Her extraordinary beauty draws the admiration of the men and the jealousy of the women. From afar, Renato becomes quietly obsessed with Malèna — watching her, following her, and living out his fantasies about her in his imagination. The film blends beauty, gossip, loneliness, and the innocent yet intense perspective of adolescence under the shadow of war.
Why You Should Watch It
- One of Monica Bellucci’s most iconic performances — mesmerizing in beauty yet deeply fragile as a character.
- Superb direction by Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso), elevated by Ennio Morricone’s unforgettable score, creating powerful emotional depth.
- A visual feast with Sicilian landscapes and a nostalgic atmosphere, combined with a thought-provoking take on social judgment.
- Portrays adolescent sexual awakening in both a humorous and melancholic way — the kind of story that stays with you for years.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Lovers of Italian cinema and classic European films (Cinema Paradiso, La Dolce Vita–style).
- Monica Bellucci fans and viewers who value visual aesthetics.
- Those interested in wartime dramas, coming-of-age stories, or taboo/forbidden-admiration themes.
- Adult audiences who enjoy emotional, melancholic dramas with subtle erotic elements — for viewers seeking depth rather than light entertainment.