Henry & June (1990), directed by Philip Kaufman, is a sensual and intellectually stimulating biographical drama that explores the intricate and passionate relationships between the writer Anaïs Nin, her lover Henry Miller, and Miller’s wife, June. Based on the memoir of the same name by Anaïs Nin, the film delves deep into themes of sexuality, creativity, obsession, and emotional complexity, capturing the intense dynamics of the love triangle that would profoundly influence both Nin’s personal life and her writing.

Set in Paris during the 1930s, Henry & June is a portrayal of the intersecting lives of three individuals, each searching for meaning and fulfillment in their own ways. The film centers on Anaïs Nin (played by Maria de Medeiros), a young, curious, and free-spirited writer who embarks on a passionate affair with the infamous writer Henry Miller (Fred Ward). However, the situation becomes more complicated when June Miller (Uma Thurman), Henry’s wife, becomes a central figure in their lives, leading to a complex triangle of love, desire, jealousy, and artistic creation.

At its core, Henry & June is a film about the intersection of sexual liberation and artistic expression. Anaïs Nin’s own literary work was deeply influenced by her emotional and sexual experiences, and this film brings to life the passion and turbulence of the relationships that formed the backdrop of her writing. Nin’s interactions with Henry and June reflect her struggle to balance her emotional needs with her intellectual and creative desires. She is drawn to Henry’s raw, unapologetic masculinity, while also grappling with the presence of June, whose sensuality and independence challenge and intrigue her.