‘I and the Stupid Boy,’ directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, is the 22nd commission from Miu Miu Women’s Tales. The acclaimed short-film series invites today’s most profound and original female directors to investigate vanity and femininity in the 21st century.

“I wanted to create an impossible love story,” says Kaouther. “The girl in my story is very empathetic,” she continues, “whereas the boy sees everything from his own perspective.” Kaouther’s film explores the breakdown of communication between these divergent personality types. The way Nora is dressed in her Miu Miu apparel is fundamental to the character’s story arc. “Nora has sex appeal, she wants to be cool. When she’s stopped by Kevin, her costume doesn’t help her. I love this contradiction.” Kaouther adds, “Costumes are a very powerful tool in cinema, like scenery and lighting.”

Nora is a striking young girl in new love. All dressed up, she takes a short cut through an abandoned building, on the way for her hot date. Kevin, her ex, pulls up in the background. What ensues is a now universal 21st century story of male-female power, sexuality and shame — with a biting, feminist twist.