A sweet film with Audrey Tautou opens this weekend, and it’s one that women everywhere should enjoy. It’s called Delicacy, and features an age-old story, but told in an interesting new way. The touching little romance film sets up date night, and an opportunity for the guys to latch on the gal they have been wanting to sway and just go for it.
The movie involves Nathalie (Tautou), a very successful Parisian businesswoman who looses her husband in an accident. To cope with her loss she buries herself in the everyday work that has served her other passion for years. Her family and friends try to work on getting her freed from the loss, but to no avail. Not wanting outside influence on her adjustment back to an ordinary life of love she avoids her friends interference. When she meets a new subordinate office worker Markus, she befriends him thinking it may alleviate being pressured.
The fun and emotional love story works its spell on those that have dreams for a life of companionship. It shows that out of despair, a little light of kindness, no matter how unlikely, may grow into a relationship. Directors David and Stephane Foenkinos spin the tale with care, making sure each of the characters are believable and genuine. With the backdrop of Paris, it’s hard not to express love, and they use it to their advantage.
Tautou can do no wrong with her awesome beauty, charm and grace, she’s the perfect actress for the role and she proves it here. But, the charm can only do so much to carry a film, and thankfully her lead man makes the two the perfect couple. Francois Damiens adds the chemistry that enables the screen connection. His bold yet innocent demeanor fits, and comes off nicely in the role of Markus, providing just the right mix to make the story believable.
The unlikely romance sets up the perfect date for those who have been wanting to get close to someone who does not yet know there’s hope between them. I like the way the film sets up the audience, keeps them guessing and then gives everyone what they want. It’s the kind of predictability that works on the screen, especially with Delicacy.
Delicacy is unrated, but does contain some adult situations. The film is shown in French with English subtitles, but with French romance it’s a matter of reading ‘lips’.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A nicely performed Romantic feast. [rating=5]
Additional Film Information:
- Cast: Audrey Tautou and Francois Damiens
- Directed by: : David and Stephane Foenkinos
- MPAA Rating: Unrated
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Foreign
- Running Time: 1 Hr 48 Min
- Opening Date: Now Showing
- Distributed by: Cohen Media Group, LLC
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
