French Lover tries to be a tragic rom-com, but ends up feeling like a recycled "classic": the hot, famous actor who falls for the girl next door. Every beat of the dialogue is predictable, offering nothing new.
Omar Sy plays the successful star who supposedly rose from nothing, but his character is reduced to spoiled-rich-kid tantrums, with little depth or authenticity. It's a shame, because Sy has the talent for stronger material. Sara Giraudeau, in her first performance I've seen, doesn't leave much of an impression either. Even the cooking scenes-which should have shown her passion for starting a food truck-fall flat and lack energy. And while I get that people love their pets, the missing-dog subplot is unnecessarily exaggerated.
I genuinely wish Omar Sy would choose scripts worthy of his range, because this one was simply not it.
If you're after something easy, light, and completely forgettable-a no-brainer way to kill two hours-this film might work. Paris as a backdrop is always a treat, though even the cinematography disappoints here. Otherwise, I'd say don't bother.
