Genuinely, side-splittingly, hilarious.
François and Annie have been happily married for decades, with three adult children. One afternoon, clearing out the attic, François discovers love letters written to his wife in the 1980s, by his then best friend Boris. As an ex-military man, he feels his honour has been sullied, and he must seek vengeance. When he decides to go to Nice to find Boris and confront him, Annie decides to go too.
And so begins a classic, yet very modern, French comedy of manners.
Riviera Revenge is billed as a comedy, and it delivers. André Dussollier is every inch the upstanding, conservative, ex-general, yet also manages to create a very likeable and oddly sympathetic character. Sabine Azéma is delightful as Annie, a seemingly meek helpmeet, but with hidden depths. As the charming bounder Boris, the ever-dependable Thierry Lhermitte gives another fabulous performance. All three have perfect comic timing, and play off each other beautifully.
Writer and director Ivan Calbérac has crafted a wry, cheeky, and very very funny feature. Every actor, major or minor, has great material to work with, and he has directed with a sense of play. Scenes that could have been milked, or over-done, are instead handled with a light touch. There are no custard pie moments.
There is a certain “je ne c’est quoi” about this film that harks back to older French comedies: something almost classic. But without any sense of pastiche or particular homage. It stands on its own.
If you are looking for total entertainment, loads of laughs, and a refreshingly grown-up script, then Riviera Revenge is for you.
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