Schoolgirl Hitchhikers is a French exploitation film from the 1970s directed by Jean Rollin under the pseudonym Michel Gentil. While Jean Rollin is usually associated with his atmospheric and gothic vampire films, Schoolgirl Hitchhikers stands out as a departure into the sexploitation and softcore genre, offering a mix of eroticism, crime, and a tad of light-heartedness in an otherwise serious genre. The movie stars Joëlle Coeur, Gilda Arancio, Marie Hélène Règne, and other actors who were familiar faces in European exploitation cinema of the time.
The film revolves around two young women, Mona (played by Joëlle Coeur) and Joëlle (portrayed by Gilda Arancio), who embody the carefree and adventurous spirit of youth. These flirtatious hitchhikers embark on a journey filled with sensual exploration and mischief. Their journey takes a twist as they find themselves embroiled in a series of precarious situations that blend erotic encounters with elements of crime and suspense.
Mona and Joëlle showcase a striking depiction of the liberation and feminist trends that were pervading society at the time. While they're exploring their freedom and sexuality, they stumble upon a secluded house in the countryside, which seems like a perfect place to rest after their nomadic journey. However, the house is not as empty as they had hoped, drawing them into an unexpected adventure that will test their wits and friendship.
The house is occupied by a reclusive character who has a connection to the criminal underworld, played by Marie Hélène Règne. Her presence introduces the darker themes intertwined with the film's erotic and playful surface. This encounter leads to the unveiling of a plot filled with intrigue and danger, forcing the young women to navigate the minefields of deceit, betrayal, and illicit activity.
As the story unfolds, the girls are confronted by a series of peculiar and enigmatic characters, each bringing a blend of humor, threat, and allure. These interactions reveal the complexities of the characters' personalities and backstories, providing depth beneath the titillation. They are caught in a spider’s web of crime, dodging the affections of certain characters while uncovering a mysterious heist plan that inevitably becomes a key aspect of the plot.
Rollin's direction is palpable throughout Schoolgirl Hitchhikers, though in a more subdued manner than in his more supernatural features. The cinematography captures the natural beauty of the French countryside, juxtaposed with the gritty underbelly of the film’s darker side. Rollin employs a dreamlike quality in some scenes, accompanied by a psychedelic soundtrack that was synonymous with the era. The contrast between the meandering, carefree moments of the protagonists and the tension of their circumstances keeps the storyline engaging.
The underlying narrative is laced with sexuality, but also bears hallmarks of Rollin's fascination with female characters that defy conventional norms. The protagonists are not mere objects of desire, but active participants in their odyssey, exhibiting strength and agency amidst the unravelling chaos. The thematic focus on friendship and loyalty serves as a counterbalance to the film's more exploitative elements.
Schoolgirl Hitchhikers reflects a time in cinema where the lines between art, sexuality, and genre filmmaking were fluid and often blurred. It is emblematic of European cinema's freewheeling approach to storytelling during that period, pushing boundaries and exploring taboo subjects with boldness and a sense of adventure.
What is notably absent from the film are the overtones of moralizing or judgment commonly found in exploitation cinema; instead, it indulges in the fantasy and freedom of its characters with a surprising light-heartedness. The narrative takes the viewer through a labyrinth of scenarios and emotions, always keeping the suspense alive, as the duo navigates through unpredictable circumstances.
Additionally, the film's dialogues, fashion, and aesthetics reflect the 70s era's experimental spirit. From the wide range of costumes that range from playful schoolgirl attire to more revealing get-ups, to the whimsical yet sometimes disorienting narrative structure, Schoolgirl Hitchhikers showcases the intersection of erotic fantasy and narrative experimentation that was a staple of Rollin's filmography and of the period's genre conventions.
Ultimately, Schoolgirl Hitchhikers is a film that resonates with audiences looking for a nostalgic trip back to the provocative cinema of the 1970s. It blends the elements of road movie, softcore sexploitation, and crime caper into an experience that is entertaining, erotic, and at times suspenseful. The movie remains a curious artifact of a bygone era in French exploitation cinema and a testament to Jean Rollin’s eclectic directorial career.
