Les combattants

Arnaud Labrède and his older brother Manu are dealing with their father's death. Manu is trying to keep the family building business afloat. Arnaud is hanging out with his friends who sign him up to wrestle with Madeleine Beaulieu. He starts losing to her and he bites her. He and Manu sell to Madeleine's parents despite her objections. She is a bitter loner and obsessed with joining an elite army unit. She attends a preparation camp and he follows her.

Adèle Haenel delivers a compelling odd-ball character. Kévin Azaïs is a bit too much of a mouth-breather especially early on. However, his character takes a turn at the camp and that's where the movie has the most fun. I love the duo's relationship during the camp and I think the movie could excel by staying there. There is more story to tell in that place. I don't mind the Blue Lagoon detour but it is a bit simple.