Garçonnières review – male insecurities revealed as film goes back to the man cave

In an era where conversations between strangers often take place through screens, Céline Pernet’s playful documentary seeks answers the (almost) old-fashioned way. Curious about the thinking of men of her generation, the film-maker put out an ad seeking male interview subjects between 30-45, who speak French and are willing to be in front of the camera. As Pernet volleys questions about identity, relationships, and more, the responses form a fascinating tapestry of male experiences, told with candidness and vulnerability.

One common theme that arises from these tête-à-têtes is a feeling of uncertainty and restlessness. Many of the interviewees are unsure of their place in a world where feminism is more confident and gender relations in France appear to have changed. Antiquated expectations of sexual performance, earning potential and beauty ideals prove oppressive to some, while positive role models are few and far between. One even suggests that the two choices available for men are either to adopt toxic behaviours or to remain silent.

Such a point of view may be challengingly binary, but Pernet’s interest lies not so much in debating the men, but in lending an ear to their inner thoughts. The tongue-in-cheek title of Garçonnières (Man Caves in English), also alludes to this atmosphere of confidentiality. The subjects are often shot in their own homes, and the interiors are just as revealing as their answers. At the same time, to take Pernet’s film as an anthropological study would be an overreach, with the diversity of the interviewees rather limited, perhaps due to the small numbers of people answering the ad. Still, Garçonnières remains a compelling documentary exercise; to watch it is to observe how the presence of a camera can grant a woman a unique access into the private domains of men.

• Garçonnières is on True Story from 20 October.