France | Belgium 2023
Opening September 14, 2023

Directed by: Dany Boon
Writing credits: Dany Boon
Principal actors: Dany Boon, Kad Mared, Charlotte Gainsbourg

Tridan Lagache (Dany Boon) quits his job, and his mother drives him to the airport. He will fly from his home in Mexico to Paris, where he will seek his childhood girlfriend, Violette, whom he left 42 years ago when they were both eight years old. He will live in an apartment that he inherited from his father who, sadly, died from an accident. Surprise! His apartment is already inhabited by, it turns out, a half-brother Louis (Kad Merad) who had no clue that Tridan existed. Louis has his own problems: an ex-wife, Valerie, and a son, Yohan, who only wants money.  Having Tridan move in makes life more complicated, including a possibility to lose the apartment. Louis believes the sooner Tridan finds Violette, the faster he will return to Mexico. Louis begins to search for Violette himself, with the help of a friend, Roxane (Charlotte Gainsbourg). He convinces Tridan to change his wardrobe beginning with his flip flops, in order to make a good impression on Violette, whenever she appears.

The original French title La vie pour de vrai translates to “Life for Real” and that is what Tridan experiences. Here we have two brothers finding each other—more important than finding an old girlfriend. The film unrolls as they share family memories, learning more and more. It’s not surprising that Dany Boon directed, wrote, and performed in this film. He has almost 30 years’ experience in all areas of this profession, topped with many successes including France’s most successful film: Welcome to the Stickers, as well as several nominations for France’s highest film award, the César, including winning a César for R.A.I.D. Special Unit (2016). Music is important with 11 songs, beginning with “I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond from 1966. Tridan takes his guitar on the plane to Paris, and this is the first time that I’ve seen anyone play music in a plane full of passengers. You will leave the cinema determined to research more about Club Med which is Tridan’s home in Mexico. (Becky T.)