The Innocent

Familial tensions, criminal hijinks and unexpected romance collide in this entertaining new comedy from Louis Garrel (A Faithful Man).

Lyon, present day. When widowed marine biologist Abel (Garrel) learns that his impulsive mother Sylvie (Anouk Grinberg) is once again re-marrying – this time to an inmate she met whilst teaching theatre in prison – he’s more than uncomfortable. Doubting that convicted burglar Michel (Roschdy Zem) is capable of staying out of trouble, Abel’s protective streak kicks in, and with the help of his best friend Clémence (Noémie Merlant), he begins tailing his new stepfather’s movements. Their amateur sleuthing is quickly uncovered by Michel and triggers an unlikely – and bold - business proposition for them both…

Joyfully paying homage to the great crime capers of the French New Wave, and partly inspired by events from his own life, Garrel’s witty and beautifully constructed film is a delirious mix of comedy, romance, suspense and action, with several twists too good to spoil.

“Few caper comedies have this much heart, and few romantic dramas offer such an appealingly nutty plot.” ~Kyle Smith, Wall Street Journal

“Garrel here delivers a witty and elegantly constructed film that joyfully draws parallels between acting and lying, being and pretending, while remaining breezy, fun, eminently accessible and even welcoming.” ~Elena Lazic, The Playlist