A superb soufflé of a film, SEX, LOVE & THERAPY benefits from a sultry, sensual and sexy performance from Sophie Marceau.

Marceau plays Judith, a sex addict who has been dismissed from her job due to her addiction and has gone to live with her uncle who threatens eviction if she doesn’t find a job.

Going to an interview for a dental hygienist position, she inadvertently lands a gig as a trainee marriage counsellor, partnering with Lambert, a recovering sex addict, who is determined not to be seduced by the ready, willing and able Judith.

SEX, LOVE & THERAPY is light romantic comedy of high calibre, with writer/director Toni Marshall and her cast handling potentially salacious, crass, and puerile material with great insouciance and savoir faire.

Marceau has a wonderful foil in Patrick Bruel as the conflicted Lambert. Temptation doesn’t come any more tempting than the gorgeous Judith but he is determined not to fall off the wagon and into her loins. Besides, he is her professional mentor and considers a dalliance as a breach of care.

Surprisingly, Judith shows a natural aptitude to marriage counselling, which not only benefits the cavalcade of clients but impresses Lambert.

A sparkling supporting cast including Sylvie Vartan as Lambert’s mum who shares a secret with Judith after she helps set her up on an internet dating site, Andre Wilms as Judith’s uncle and a cameo by Jean-Pierre Marielle add a talented texture to this saucy rom com.

A tale of abstinence makes the heart grow fonder, SEX, LOVE & THERAPY is a funny, frothy frappe fairy tale delivered with panache and élan.

The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival runs March 3 – 22 at the Chauvel, Paddington, Palace Verona, Paddington, Palace Norton Street, Leichardt, and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne.