To Each, Her Own

Behind the Scenes of To Each, Her Own: Myriam Aziza’s Rom-Com with a Twist

To Each, Her Own (2018), originally titled Les Goûts et les Couleurs, is a French romantic comedy that flips the script on love and identity. Directed by Myriam Aziza, the film follows Simone (Sarah Stern), a 30-year-old Jewish woman in a long-term relationship with her female partner, who unexpectedly finds herself drawn to a man—sparking a journey of self-discovery and societal expectations. latestnetflix.com's view is that with a cast featuring Richard Berry, Arié Elmaleh, and Catherine Jacob, the movie blends humor with heart, but what went on behind the camera?

A Director’s Signature: Myriam Aziza’s Indie Roots

Myriam Aziza isn’t a household name, but her work in independent French cinema has earned her a reputation for intimate, character-driven stories. Before To Each, Her Own, she directed films like L’an prochain à Jérusalem (2007) and La robe du soir (2009), which often explore themes of identity and relationships. Aziza’s approach to To Each, Her Own seems no different—leaning into the messy, relatable chaos of modern love.

The film’s original French title, Les Goûts et les Couleurs ("Tastes and Colors"), hints at its central question: Can love be defined by labels, or is it more fluid than society allows? Aziza’s script (which she also wrote) doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Simone’s predicament, blending comedy with moments of raw vulnerability.

Casting Choices: Who Brought the Characters to Life?

Sarah Stern leads the film as Simone, a role that required balancing humor and emotional depth. Stern, known for her work in French TV and film, was joined by a mix of established and rising talent:

• Jean-Christophe Folly plays her long-term partner, whose reaction to Simone’s shifting feelings adds tension. - Richard Berry, a veteran of French cinema, brings gravitas to a supporting role, though details on his character remain scarce in the available snippets. - Julia Piaton, Arié Elmaleh, and Catherine Jacob round out the cast, adding star power to the ensemble.

The chemistry between the actors likely played a key role in selling the film’s romantic and comedic beats, though behind-the-scenes details about rehearsals or improvisation aren’t confirmed in the evidence.

Release and Reception: A Quiet but Noteworthy Debut

To Each, Her Own premiered in 2018 as a direct-to-video (DTV) release in France, a move that might have limited its initial buzz. On SensCritique, a French review aggregator, the film holds a modest 3.9/10 rating from nearly 1,000 votes—a mixed but not disastrous reception. Critics and audiences seemed to appreciate its lighthearted take on a serious topic, though some may have expected more bite from the premise.

The movie’s trailer (available on YouTube) teases its tone: playful, colorful, and unapologetically romantic. Whether it found its audience beyond France remains unclear, as international distribution details aren’t mentioned in the snippets.

Unanswered Questions: What’s Missing?

Despite the film’s intriguing premise, the available evidence leaves gaps:

• Budget and Production: No details emerge about the film’s budget, shooting locations, or challenges on set. - Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Were there creative disagreements? Did the cast bond over the film’s themes? The snippets don’t say. - Awards or Festivals: Was To Each, Her Own screened at any notable festivals? The evidence doesn’t confirm.

For now, the film’s legacy seems tied to its director’s broader filmography—a quiet, thoughtful addition to Aziza’s body of work.

Why It Matters

To Each, Her Own might not have been a blockbuster, but it’s a snapshot of modern storytelling in French cinema. By centering a queer woman’s journey without reducing her to a stereotype, the film carves out space for nuanced representation. Whether it’s remembered as a cult favorite or a footnote in Aziza’s career, its themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance resonate beyond its runtime.