Je reste! (2003) - film review

Marie-Do and Bertrand have been married for 15 years. They have a young son and appear to be the model couple.  But, for Marie-Do, the strain of pandering to her self-centred, cycling-obsessed husband is starting to show.  Then she meets Antoine, a lonely scriptwriter who, unlike Bertrand, shows her respect and understanding.  Finally driven to distraction by her husband’s addiction to bicycles and Brel, Marie-Do announces her decision to separate and start a new life with Antoine.  Unfortunately, Bertrand has no intention of leaving her apartment…

Je reste! marks something of a departure for director Diane Kurys, a light-hearted satire of married life, contrasting with her earlier realistic dramas.  Whilst it certainly does not have the originality and impact of Kurys’ better films – and the tabloid vulgarity may disappoint many of the director’s fans – Je reste! does have great entertainment value and, in many ways, is acutely spot-on in its depiction of a faltering relationship.   Sophie Marceau shows an unexpected flair for comedy (which doubtless other directors will now be keen to exploit), but it is Vincent Pérez as the “hubbie from Hell” who gives the biggest laughs.  The one thing that does let the film down is its idiotic denouement (or, rather, series of denouements) where you can hear the screenwriter screaming out loud: "Help! I can’t work out how to end this story!" It’s a good example of where it pays to leave the cinema five minutes before the credits roll and invent your own ending.

© James Travers 2006

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