Robuste

As Georges, Gérard Depardieu plays a version of himself as a past his prime, once-famed actor who is struggling with health problems and has a reputation for being difficult to work with.

While preparing for his latest role, he is thrown for a loop when his assistant unexpectedly takes leave, placing him dependent on Aïssa (Déborah Lukumuena), the security company’s appointed replacement. Whilst life may have shaped the disillusioned star and his pragmatic, assured young helper in very different ways, a singular friendship begins to take root.

The film avoiding the pitfalls of its odd-couple themes, and Depardieu is at his sensitive best, relishing the chance to wink at his public persona.

“A deft and refreshingly understated piece of film-making from Meyer. Much is left unsaid and unshown, but the dynamic between Georges and Aïssa is persuasively fleshed out.” ~Wendy Ide, The Guardian

“Constance Meyer’s character study handles a familiar odd-couple story with charm, restraint, and tones of hope and melancholy skillfully braided together.” ~Caroline Ely, Film-Forward