Watch A Couch in New York

A Couch in New York is a romantic comedy from 1996 starring Juliette Binoche and William Hurt. The story revolves around the lives of two individuals who swap their apartments and lives for a few months to escape the mundanity of their routine. Henry (William Hurt) is a New York based psychiatrist who has grown tired of his job, his patients and his life in the city. In a search for new experiences, he decides to exchange his apartment with Beatrice (Juliette Binoche), a young and impulsive dancer from Paris. Beatrice, on the other hand, is fed up with the bohemian lifestyle of Paris and wants to explore New York City.

As soon as they arrive in each other's apartments, Henry and Beatrice begin to discover new aspects about themselves and their lives. Henry is fascinated by the carefree and passionate lifestyle of Beatrice’s apartment, while Beatrice finds solace and peace in Henry’s clean, spacious and quiet condo. The juxtaposition of their contrasting lifestyles is both fascinating and funny.

Henry starts to have a hard time fitting into Beatrice’s world. He struggles to interact with her friends and becomes smitten with her free-spirited and outgoing personality. At the same time, Beatrice has a cultural and language barrier; she struggles with the routine-oriented life of New Yorkers and finds that the city is not as exciting as she had imagined.

Soon after, Henry’s patients start arriving at Beatrice’s apartment looking for him, which leads to unexpected consequences. Once he discovers where they are, Henry is determined to get them back. However, Beatrice is having the time of her life in New York, and doesn't want to return to her mundane life in Paris.

The movie plays out as a classic romantic comedy, highlighting the highs and lows of their new lives. With the addition of Stephanie Buttle, who plays Josephine, a young girl who is patient of Henry's and deeply in love with him, the dynamics of the story become even more complex.

Overall, A Couch in New York is a charming and enjoyable movie that explores the human desire for change and adventure. The performances by Juliette Binoche and William Hurt are excellent, with the supporting cast adding to the story’s depth and humor. The movie is a delightful mix of romance, comedy, and drama, showcasing the struggles and joys of living in different cultures. It is a wonderful reminder of how, sometimes, the grass is not always greener on the other side, but finding out for oneself is an essential part of life.