Thomas In Love on AllMovie

A high-tech shut-in finds love in an unexpected place in this satirical comedy. Thomas (voice of Benoit Verhaert) is a profoundly agoraphobic 33-year-old man whose condition prevents him from leaving his apartment or allowing others in to visit. Fortunately for him, he rarely needs to do either; Thomas has been declared officially disabled, making him eligible for government services for the handicapped; he's also well-insured and has a claims representative (Alexandre von Sivers) ready to meet his every need. Thomas also has a high-tech "vision-phone" that allows him to communicate with the outside world without having to make actual contact. While Thomas' psychologist (Frederic Topart) tries to sort out his mental state, his insurance representative offers to help with his more personal needs: it seems the government provides prostitutes for the disabled, and Thomas is now eligible. Thomas speaks by phone with Eva (Aylin Yay), a State-funded call girl, and soon finds himself smitten -- so much so that he begins to ponder actually leaving his room. Meanwhile, the psychologist has registered Thomas with a phone-dating service as a more healthy alternative, subjecting Thomas to the not entirely welcome attentions of Melodie (Magali Pinglaut). Thomas Est Amoureux was shot on video entirely in "first person," with the viewer seeing only what Thomas himself would see through his "vision-phone."