When the lead actress abruptly quits the production just before a critical performance, the director is left in a panic. He must find a suitable replacement—a "bouche-trou"—to save the show. A frantic search ensues, leading to a series of risqué auditions and encounters with eccentric, libidinous characters. The film blends the backstage theater trope with the uninhibited sexuality characteristic of French cinema du charme era, resulting in a light-hearted, comedy-infused erotic feature.
The central conflict arises when François, prioritizing his work, leaves Joëlle alone while he is away on assignments. Unable to wait for his return, and perhaps seeking to fill the emotional and physical "gap" (the bouche-trou ) left by his absence, Joëlle engages in a series of sexual encounters with various individuals. The film follows her exploration of pleasure and relationships while her partner is absent, navigating themes of jealousy, infidelity, and sexual freedom. Cast and Crew Le Bouche-trou -1976-
Uniquely for its era, the film positions its female lead as the active voyager rather than a passive object. Joëlle's decisions drive the plot forward entirely. When the lead actress abruptly quits the production