Familial tensions, criminal hijinks and unexpected romance collide in the uproariously entertaining new comedy from the multi-talented Louis Garrel (A Faithful Man), about the misguided attempts of a dedicated son who, in trying to protect his mother, finds himself embroiled in an elaborate heist.
Lyon, present day. When widowed marine biologist Abel (Garrel) learns that his impulsive mum Sylvie (Anouk Grinberg) is once again re-marrying – this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison – he’s much more than uncomfortable. Doubting that convicted burglar Michel (Roschdy Zem) is capable of turning over a new leaf, Abel’s protective streak kicks in, and so with the help of his best friend Clémence (a sensational Noémie Merlant), he begins tailing his new stepfather’s movements. Their amateur sleuthing is quickly uncovered by Michel and triggers an unlikely – and bold - business proposition for them both…
Joyfully paying homage to the great crime capers of the French New Wave, and partly inspired by events from his own life, Garrel’s witty and beautifully constructed film is a delirious mix of comedy, romance, suspense and action, with several twists too good to spoil. Selected as the special Gala Screening to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival - where it drew a thunderously positive response - this hilarious, quintessentially French comedy aims to please and does so effortlessly.
11 x 2023 CÉSAR AWARDS Nominee – incl. Best Film, Director, Actor, Supp. Actress & Original Screenplay
2023 LUMIÉRE AWARDS – Nominee (x3) – Best Actress, Actor & Screenplay
2022 PRIX LOUIS-DELLUC – Nominee (Best French Film of the Year)
OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2022 CANNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (Gala)
OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2022 SAN SEBASTIAN FILM FESTIVAL
"Delicious. First-class French fare: stylish, ingenious and satisfying."
- Paul Byrnes, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD / THE AGE
"Touching and funny. The kind of breezy good time that’s hard to find at the movies these days. It’s not devoid of deeper meaning, but it’s brimming, first and foremost, with a relish for storytelling that’s playful and fun. Go see it."
- Jason Di Rosso, ABC RADIO NATIONAL
"Superior entertainment. A stylish, fast-moving tale that flirts with several different genres, from the family drama to the heist. If this film were Australian, we’d be calling it a masterpiece."
- John McDonald, AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW
"An utter delight. A supremely finessed, funny, endearing and engaging flick that echoes for everyone."
- Sarah Ward, CONCRETE PLAYGROUND
Thursday 13th April
99 min
M
Louis Garrel, Roschdy Zem, Jean-Claude Pautot, Manda Touré, Anouk Grinberg, Léa Wiazemsky, Yanisse Kebbab, Florent Masarin
Louis Garrel
Comedy
French with English subtitles
Pentridge Cinema, Palace Balwyn, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, The Kino, Palace Westgarth, Palace Norton Street, Palace Central, Palace Verona, Palace Byron Bay, Palace James St, Palace Barracks, Palace Electric Cinema, Palace Raine Square
