Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- melancholic
- elegant
- quiet evening
- romantic drama night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film an elegant, sharply written period romance elevated by Michelle Pfeiffer's subtle performance, while judging its abbreviated script and muted romantic heat limiting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Léa, an experienced courtesan, becomes involved with the nineteen-year-old Chéri, and their six-year relationship is tested by his arranged marriage.
The plot centers on les grandes horizontals, whose relationships with wealthy men structure their status and livelihood in prewar France.
Léa uses worldly nonchalance and dry verbal control while privately confronting loneliness, regret, and possible love.
The setting foregrounds elegant cars, mansions, servants, and the luxurious milieu of wealthy courtesans.
Films like Chéri, and why
The Age of Innocence
shared belle époque setting, age-disparate romance, elegant period design, and melancholic emotional restraint
Dangerous Liaisons
shared literary period romance, social constraint, sophisticated dialogue, and doomed intimacy
The Duchess
shared mature female protagonist, romantic disappointment, restrained longing, and costume-drama atmosphere
The French Lieutenant's Woman
shared refined period setting, socially constrained desire, and bittersweet romantic drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Stephen Frears
- Release Date
- 2009-04-08
- Runtime
- 86 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (233)
Cast
- Michelle Pfeiffer
- Kathy Bates
- Rupert Friend
- Felicity Jones
- Iben Hjejle
- Frances Tomelty
- Tom Burke
- Hubert Tellegen
- Joe Sheridan
- Toby Kebbell
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Chéri about?
- A worldly belle époque courtesan confronts the cost of loving a much younger man when society turns their private affair into an impossible marriage.
- What is Chéri like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Chéri as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Chéri violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Chéri.
- What did critics think of Chéri?
- Critics generally found the film an elegant, sharply written period romance elevated by Michelle Pfeiffer's subtle performance, while judging its abbreviated script and muted romantic heat limiting.
- Which films are like Chéri?
- Films with a similar feel include The Age of Innocence, Dangerous Liaisons, The Duchess, and The French Lieutenant's Woman.
- How long is Chéri?
- Chéri runs 86 minutes.
- Where can I watch Chéri?
- In United States, Chéri is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
