The New Girlfriend – Review

There are few filmmakers in world cinema making movies to quite as high a standard and as prolifically as French auteur Francois Ozon. His unique, idiosyncratic style is one that defines his career, persistently presenting darkly comic offerings to his established fan-base – and his latest is no different, teaming up with French superstar Romain Duris in The New Girlfriend.

Duris plays David, a widower attempting to overcome the shock passing of his dear wife, and struggling to make ends meet as a single father to their young child. Appreciating the assistance of his late wife’s best friend Claire (Anais Demoustier) who is more than happy to lend a hand – he is left with some explaining to do, when she arrives one day out of the blue, and witnesses something she had not been intended to see. Something that changes both of their lives from thereon.

It’s worth noting that The New Girlfriend is a film that it’s best to know as little about as possible, as while the surprise comes early into proceedings, it’s a surprise nonetheless. Given the circumstances within the narrative, it would be easy for this title to become a full-on farce too, playing on the frivolity of the situation, and looking for laughs – but that’s not Ozon’s style. There’s a distinct sincerity to the piece, and one that allows for the viewer to invest in David, and completely embody the role: empathising with his situation, and most vitally, relate to him. As such, the viewer is able to try to understand what he’s going through and why he is doing what he is – making for an enlightening cinematic experience. It helps matters tremendously, when Duris turns in a performance of this ilk – straddling that line between comedy and pathos, perfectly encapsulating the sensibilities and desires of the filmmaker at the helm. It’s a nuanced turn, and is one that draws similarities to the likes of Jack Lemmon, and in particular his performance in Some Like it Hot – and that’s no bad thing.

The film is moving in parts and hilarious in others – equipped with that same droll wit and sense of enchantment which illuminates Ozon’s work. It’s another film to add to the repertoire of impressive, accomplished outings – and one he’ll no doubt be rather proud of. Talking of which, it’s likely to have been a sentiment shared by author Ruth Rendell, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago. This film is based on her novella, and given how compelling and wondrous a cinematic experience The New Girlfriend is, she’d have no doubt been intrigued and rather thrilled at this particular interpretation.