Faut pas lui dire was released in theaters on January 4th and has been available on DVD since the beginning of May. In this first feature film by director Solange Cicurel, we follow four close-knit cousins who often lie for love. But when one of the cousins is cheated on by her fiancé, the other three decide not to tell her anything. Comedy feel-good, Faut pas lui dire is certainly not excellent, but it is not a turnip either. Explanations.
Questionable staging and acting
Clearly, Faut pas lui dire is a film where not much happens in terms of staging. Don't expect interesting shots or shots different from what is usually done in French cinema. If the interest is not going to be on the direction, there are things to say about the acting. The surprise of the cast will be Jenifer. For her first major film role, she plays with accuracy and restraint. Quite the opposite of the other three actresses who are much more exuberant and almost in over-acting. This imbalance is a shame because there are very good punchlines but they do not fit with the acting. Arié Elmaleh is also very good in this film. He plays Maxime, the fiancé who cheats on Yael. His deception will lead him to question his life and his future choices.
An interesting but not in-depth theme
One might believe the theme of classic deception and worked to exhaustion. Yet in Faut pas lui dire, Maxime will deceive Yaël with a man. Throughout the film, Maxime will ask questions about his sexuality, which will lead to comic situations… And prejudices! Unfortunately, we are no exception. And again, if there were only prejudices. In this film, we talk about homosexuality, but nothing will be shown. As much for the other three cousins, we will see the whole process of their new love stories, as much there, nothing, nada. The initial couple Maxime/Yaël will have its resolution thanks to an ellipse "two months later" while they are supposed to be the main characters of the film. For them, all development will be banally evacuated. And we will never see Maxime kiss anyone male. Obviously, we will not talk about girls who are entitled to kisses and other sex scenes. It's a shame not to have gone to the end of the theme in order to break taboos and prejudices. It stays smooth and clean, nothing sticks out.
But in the end, what's wrong with this movie?
Yes because since just now, Faut pas dire is full head while he is not bad. The film does the job: we have a good time in front of it. It entertains, makes people laugh sometimes. We have a story (or rather 5!) Very nice for an evening when you don't want to think. The good dose of romance that the film offers us will surely appeal to fans of the genre.
Despite its flaws, Faut pas lui dire is a sympathetic comedy but one that will not remain in the memory for long. Smooth and clean, the film does not get out of the shackles of French comedy but has the merit of doing the job. The director would like to make a sequel, however, we would not go so far as to encourage her…Available on DVD since May 9, 2017.
The trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBgPDakLU_Q
