Beau fixe (1992)
Directed by Christian Vincent

Film Review

Director Christian Vincent's follow up to his widely acclaimed debut feature La Discrète (1990), which won him two Césars in 1991 (for Best First Film and Best Original Screenplay), is this low-key comedy drama depicting a group of young people trying (and failing) to live together in harmony. Whilst it may have less substance and impact than Vincent's first feature, Beau fixe is still an engaging piece that is well written, well directed and shows no shortage of talent in its cast of young and mostly unfamiliar actors. The most recognisable faces in the cast are Fabrice Luchini and Judith Henry, the latter of whom was honoured with a César for her performance in the director's previous film - both actors are a delight and add greatly to the film's gentle humour and understated authenticity. As he would subsequently demonstrate on his later films, La Séparation (1994), Sauve-moi (2000) and Les Saveurs du Palais (2012), Christian Vincent's forte is the intimate slice-of-life drama in which he explores, with truth, delicacy and a smattering of well-judged irony, the complexities of human relationships. Beau fixe is not his most memorable film but it brims with honesty and a sunny charm.

Film Synopsis

One summer, a young medical student, Valérie, invites her three friends, Armelle, Frédérique and Carine, to study with her at her family villa in the coastal resort of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer.  When Armelle and Frédérique fall out, the other two girls have their work cut out trying to restore harmony to the group and prevent the week from being a total disaster.  Just as the girls are settling into a routine Valérie's cousin, Francis, turns up unexpectedly to carry out a spot of household maintenance.  The young man's presence proves to be an unwelcome distraction, and his attempts to make friends with the girls backfire as he finds himself on the receiving end of their cruel sense of humour.  By now, the girls have lost interest in their studies and the group starts to fragment.  Frédérique falls for a boy but after spending a night together he tells her he doesn't want to see her again.  When she receives a visit from her boyfriend Jérôme, Valérie realises she no longer loves him and her thoughts turn to going back to Paris.  As the girls take their leave of the villa they part with Francis on good terms.