THE LIGHTER SIDE

A Difficult Year

Une année difficile

ERIC TOLEDANO, OLIVIER NAKACHE
France, 2023
120 minutes, Color

The latest from Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano (C'est la vie!, FFDC 2019 and The Intouchables, FFDC 2012) is a puckish comedy about finding a reason for being—even when the world seems to be falling apart. Albert and Bruno are debt-ridden friends who are always looking for ways to cadge free stuff. Their lives take a turn when they stumble on a meeting of activists fighting overconsumption. Initially only interested in free beer, they reluctantly join the cause after being charmed by the group's attractive leader. Bruno sees an opportunity for romance amidst the group's elaborate demonstrations, despite the looming threat of arrest. Featuring winning performances from Pio Marmaï, Jonathan Cohen, Noémie Merlant, and Mathieu Amalric, A Difficult Year is driven by a belief in people's fundamental ability to change and the ability to find beauty in even the bleakest moments.—Various sources

In French with English subtitles