The Chance You Take Might Just Change Your Life
The breakout French hit of the 2017 Cannes International Film Festival, where it premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight to multiple, raucous standing ovations, writer/director Carine Tardieu’s charming romantic comedy Just To Be Sure is a winning tale of parenthood, love and family, both lost and found.
When lonely 45-year-old widower Erwan (the remarkable François Damiens, The Bélier Family) discovers by accident that that man who raised him isn’t his real father, he begins a search for his biological one. Thanks to a local private detective he soon locates the mischievous, 70-something Joseph (Le Havre’s Andre Wilms), whom it seems his mother may have known briefly. Erwan soon falls not only for his charm, but that of the impetuous Anna (a radiant Cécile de France), who has ties to them both. But the conflicting loyalties become compounded by the pregnancy of his own daughter (Alice de Lencquesaing), who defiantly refuses to name the father… very soon Erwan’s families begin to collide, to unexpected, hilarious and moving effect. Offering a terrific showcase for her brilliant cast, director Carine Tardieu skilfully weaves a wholly-entertaining exploration of love, coincidence and human connection. Few films manage to pluck both the heartstrings and the funny bone as well as Just To Be Sure. It’s a delight.
Critics Reviews for Just To Be Sure
- “Damiens floats this enterprise with just the right amount of harried Everyman appeal. De France hits a bit too abrasive a screwball note at first, but her performance gains charm in equal measure to its chemistry with her co-star.” – Dennis Harvey, Variety
- “A charming tale of multiple quid pro quos that's as light-hearted as its subject matter is deadly serious.” – Jordan Mintzer, Hollywood Reporter
- “This admirably adult romantic comedy from French female director and co-writer Carine Tardieu raises a few smiles without ever being exactly hilarious.” – Lynden Barber, Limelight
- “In her third feature, director Carine Tardieu and her co-writers build a muted classical comedy of errors that Shakespeare would have recognised.” – Paul Byrnes, Sydney Morning Herald