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The House
A sensual, atmospheric erotic drama bathed in velvety neon and shadows, The House explores raw vulnerability and female empowerment through the visual metaphor of a gilded cage where fantasy and commodified intimacy collide.
The House
The House

La Maison

16 November 2022 Belgium 89 min 6.0 (114)

Director: Anissa Bonnefont

Cast: Ana Girardot, Aure Atika, Rossy de Palma, Yannick Renier, Philippe Rebbot

Drama Fantasy Comedy The Female Gaze and Reclamation of Desire Identity, Duality, and the Mask of the Persona Sorority and Solidarity among Women The Commodification of Intimacy vs. Emotional Labor Creative Exploitation vs. Lived Experience
Budget: $2,600,000

The House — Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Emma / Justine

Ana Girardot

Archetype: The Seeker / Explorer Key Trait: Relentless curiosity and emotional openness

Motivation

Overcoming creative stagnation and exploring the authentic interiority of sex workers.

Character Arc

Starts as an intellectual observer, becomes immersed in her alias Justine, and ultimately confronts the emotional fallout before reclaiming her artistic voice.

The Madam / Brigitta

Rossy de Palma

Archetype: The Matriarch / Guardian Key Trait: Theatrical charisma and fierce protectiveness

Motivation

Maintaining order, elegance, and safety inside the brothel.

Character Arc

Acts as a steady, unflinching presence who guides newcomers while safeguarding the establishment's ethos.

Delly

Aure Atika

Archetype: The Mentor / Veteran Key Trait: Pragmatism, warmth, and resilience

Motivation

Earning a living with dignity while supporting fellow women.

Character Arc

Befriends Emma, shares practical survival wisdom, and highlights both the empowerment and wearying reality of the trade.

Stéphane

Yannick Renier

Archetype: The Skeptic / External Anchor Key Trait: Moral hesitation and possessiveness

Motivation

Maintaining his connection with Emma while worrying about her immersion.

Character Arc

Transitions from a complicit confidant to a voice of concern as Emma sinks deeper into her double life.

Cast

Ana Girardot as Emma
Aure Atika as Delilah
Rossy de Palma as Brigida
Yannick Renier as Stéphane
Philippe Rebbot as Hermann
Gina Jimenez as Madeleine
Nikita Bellucci as Hildie
Lucas Englander as Ian
Hildegard Schroedter as Inge
Irma as Margaret
John Robinson as Mark
Lenn Kudrjawizki as Victor
Carole Weyers as Dorothée
Ruth Becquart as La dame
Loriane Klupsch as Lorna

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