Rosalie (15)

Based loosely on a true story, this offbeat period drama champions a woman who challenges body expectations and community prejudices. Set in 1870s provincial France, Rosalie marries café-owner Abel who is desperate for her dowry to save his business. What he doesn’t know is that she shaves her face daily to conceal her hairiness, which extends across her whole body. Her new husband is initially repulsed but as Rosalie relinquishes her embarrassment and lets her beard grow, the novelty begins to attract customers to their struggling café. Pertinent to present day preconceptions about what makes women “desirable” – or not – the trajectory of the story is optimistic and resilient.

Preview courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment

The screening on Friday 15 in Hereford is sponsored by BBR Optometry