OBSERVER: Riviera Revenge
Set in Nice, on the dazzling Côte d’Azur, Riviera Revenge is a light-hearted French farce rom-com.
Retired army general Francois (André Dussollier) is content that after three children, four grandchildren, and 50 years of marriage, he and his wife Annie (Sabine Azéma) remain devoted to one another.
That is, until he finds a collection of love letters while tidying his attic.
The letters written by Annie to a secret lover reveal an old affair.
The revelation upends Francois’ previously well-ordered world.
Annie dismisses Francois’ concerns in typical French free-spirited fashion, stating that the affair was over decades ago and that her husband is being ridiculous even to mention the letters.
Even worse, she tells him that she thought he must also have had a few affairs and is shocked that he states he has not.
Unplacated, Francois is determined to track down Annie’s former lover.
When Francois discovers that Annie’s lover is none other than their close friend Boris (Thierry Lhermitte), rage, hurt pride, and revenge are on the cards.
He sets out to confront Boris and challenge him to a fight.
Annie tags along on the caper, determined not to let Francois make too much of a fool of himself.
Azéma is terrific as Annie.
She initially goes along with her humorously outraged husband, only to realise she must make a choice: to rekindle her earlier romantic fling or stay with the partner she has made a life with.
This charming, warm-hearted romp is funny and moving in equal measure.
It is refreshing that, despite the main characters being all retirees in their 60s, writer and director Ivan Calbérac depicts their romantic entanglements as vibrant and ageless.
In Australian cinemas June 26.
Review by Kathryn Keeble