Like the characters, Mektoub, My Love is itself apparently aimless, often irritating, prone to treading water -- indeed, it could be accused of being one long longueur. But I found plenty to admire in it.

Above all, Mektoub is a terrific study of the fine art of flirting: of girls and girls, and girls and boys (but never, it seems, boys and boys) and the shifts in power that occur between them as they drink, dance, smile and shrug.

Kechiche's camera consistently ogles his female cast but he remains a terrific director of actors, the intimacy and authenticity conveying a real lust for life to sweeten the hefty running time.

Few filmmakers capture desire on screen as well as Kechiche. [Full review in French]