The wildly entertaining new comedy from irrepressible filmmaking duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache (The Intouchables, C’est la vie!), A Difficult Year stars Pio Marmaï and Jonathan Cohen as two compulsive spenders who get much more than they bargained for when they try to scam their way out of trouble.
Both in debt up to their necks, Albert (Marmaï) and Bruno (Cohen) have turned to a community worker (Mathieu Amalric) to try and help get a grip on their lives. However, at one of their group sessions they instead stumble into an adjoining meeting room hosting a gathering of young social activists, led by a vivacious organiser (the fabulous Noémie Merlant).
Attracted more by the free beer and chips than the group’s struggle against consumerism and protection of the environment (whilst acknowledging that the hugs are quite nice), Albert and Bruno join the movement without any particular conviction, but soon sense an opportunity – if they don’t get arrested first.
Expertly poking fun at their characters while simultaneously honouring them, A Difficult Year delivers both laughs and pathos in spades, thanks to the directors’ ongoing faith in humanity’s desire to change. With of-the-moment resonances to Australia’s social and ‘cozzie livs’ concerns, it’s a must-see movie.
French with English subtitiles, A Difficult Year screens this week at Palace Cinemas in Byron Bay. Visit: palacecinemas.com.au.
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