Fix: Unlikely Friendship, Heartwarming Comedy
Platform: Prime Video
Netflix Summary:
Based on a true story, a quadriplegic aristocrat’s world is turned upside down when he hires a good-humored ex-con as his caretaker.
FYA Summary:
Philippe is Scrooge-McDuck-swimming-in-a-money-vault rich, and he’s looking to hire a new live-in caregiver. (He has paralysis from the neck down.) Driss, however, is just looking for an easy way to collect welfare benefits. When these two become a part of each other’s lives, they each discover what was thought to be long lost: direction in life, for Driss; and, well, joie de vivre, for Philippe.
Familiar Faces:
Omar Sy as Driss
Driss is so incredibly jovial and charismatic. I can even tolerate the subplot of Driss constantly hitting on (and getting rejected by) the hot assistant because Omar is such a delight. It’s a shame that his role in Days of Future Past wasn’t more significant. Or in French.
François Cluzet as Philippe
François doesn’t have quadriplegia IRL, but his portrayal of Philippe is so expressive, heartfelt, and respectful. (At least, it is to this person without a disability.)
Couch-Sharing Capability: High
OK, subtitles might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but this movie is a total crowd pleaser. It was extremely successful in and out of France. More importantly, because this is totally what you come here for, even my mother sat through and enjoyed the whole thing, and she’s a habitual roamer during living room movies. This film will keep asses on the couch, is what I’m saying.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Minimal
Unless you’re fluent in French, you’ll probably want to be at full capacity to keep up with the subtitles — not that you’ll need a buzz to enjoy this anyway. Although you might be in the mood for a different kind of buzz in honour of the movie. (Strictly for medicinal purposes, of course.)
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Très Bon
I’ve already used several variations of the word, but this movie truly is joyful. And legit funny, too! It def. earned a few belly laughs from me. It does have its heavier moments*, but its true strength is the great rapport between its leads. It’s probably best to enjoy this film now before the Hollywood remake tries its hand at this story (ILY, Colin Firth, but ughhhh I am fearful).
* Although none of them really involve race, however realistic making that into a non-issue might be.
