One of the breakout comedies from this year’s French Film Festival was the engaging film ‘Iris and the Men’. It stars the charming Laure Calamy (Antoinette in the Cevennes and Call My Agent). Directed and co – written by Caroline Vignal it is a sharp and witty look at marriage and the modern world. This hilarious film is now being shown in select cinemas.
It tells the story of eccentric dentist, Iris who has a busy life with her husband Stephane (Vincent Elbaz) and their two academic daughters. She is complaining about having lost the spark in her marriage at a parent – teacher’s evening when she is overheard by another mother. Her suggestion – to take a lover. Pourquoi pas?
Iris soon begins delving into the world of dating apps. for married people and after an awkward start she begins to embrace this advice. Life becomes full and Iris blossoms, discovering the joy of sex once again. Her clandestine life sets her free but soon begins to overtake her real life.
Iris does have some dating rules. She never meets in cafes and never sleeps with a man more than once, no matter how good the sex is. She loves her husband and will never leave him, but she is definitely enjoying her sexual re-awakening.
Each man is different with differing opinions, lifestyles and fetishes. If you can put aside your own morals and values, you are in for a romp. Iris becomes a poster girl for following your passion and much to her daughter’s chagrin encourages her to do the same in a cringe – worthy dinner party scene.
Watch out for the fabulous musical number which shares the song ‘It’s Raining Men’.
It’s a highlight. I can attest to the French people’s love for this song. Our neighbours, when we were staying in the Marais, loved playing it long into the night at their parties.
This is a lighthearted film and with Calamy as our lead you know you are in for some terrific acting. Her facial expressions and body language as she changes from harried Mum to sexual temptress are spot on. You can really feel her excitement and
intoxication.
This film had many laugh – out loud moments and my guest and I, who both love French films, agreed that it was very French in its sensibility. If you are looking for a fun little romp with a grasp on the minefield of dating in the digital world and the woes of a long marriage, this film might tickle your funny bone.
‘Iris and the Men’ is in cinemas from August 15.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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