Adèle (portrayed by Adèle Exarchopoulos) is the central character in the 2013 French coming-of-age drama Blue Is the Warmest Colour, directed by Abdellatif Kechiche and based on the graphic novel Le Bleu est une couleur chaude (2010) by Julie Maroh.
The film explores the complexities of Adèle’s emotional and sexual awakening as a teenager. At the heart of the story is her intense and transformative same-sex relationship with Emma, a confident blue-haired art student played by Léa Seydoux.
While the narrative primarily centers on Adèle’s passionate romance, it also delves into her experiences with men, portrayed within a series of interactions ranging from disinterested to deep emotional connections. In this context, while Adéle’s regrettable infidelity can play into hurtful bi stereotypes, the conflicting emotions and nuance of her character make her a well-rounded portrayal of a messy yet authentic queer character.
Blue Is the Warmest Colour received widespread critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, with both Exarchopoulos and Seydoux praised for their raw and powerful performances. Despite its controversies, the film remains a significant work for its exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.