Marc, an architect in Paris, kids his wife Agnes with threats to shave his mustache. She says she wouldn’t recognize him without it, as he’s had it many years. Marc rolls with the whim and does in fact go clean. To his disappointment, Agnes doesn’t notice, despite his exaggerated facial expressions. His disappointment turns to annoyance when friends they visit also act oblivious. Marc sulks at the party, succumbing to depression and anger. Agnes tries to pry an explanation from him, but Marc doesn’t want to have to state the obvious. When he finally confronts her about the ridiculous game she’s playing, a stunned Agnes insists that he’s never even had a mustache.

The simple and almost comical premise unfolds into a surprising and suspenseful mini-thriller. There is equal evidence to suggest that Agnes may be performing a cruel and elaborate stunt, or that Marc and/or Agnes are losing their minds. As Marc gives in to paranoia and confusion, his actions become more radical and unpredictable. The ending does not offer clear answers for him or the audience.

Based on comments and reviews I found, most people find La Moustache inexplicable, and some denounce it as frustratingly pointless. Perhaps they read too much into the literal actions instead of reading between the lines. (It’s French, after all!) I think it’s the perfect metaphor for a damaged relationship. Realizing that a significant other doesn’t appreciate you as you wish to be seen can be crumbling. Combined with stubbornness to adhere to projected ideals and faults about each other, the damage multiplies. Maybe you need to be married awhile to really get it. ;)

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