«Damien wants to change the world» and tries to do it with laughter

Cinema Wednesdays - Lauriane Pipoz

Damien's parents are very active left-wing protesters. They are committed to a whole range of causes, from animal abuse to the status of undocumented immigrants. But when Damien's mother dies suddenly, the family's social commitment dissolves, and everyone goes their separate ways. In adulthood, having become a «pawn» in a school, the main character decides to recognize a Syrian child so that he can stay at school in France. In this way, the son of protesters reconnects with his roots. But he soon finds himself overwhelmed by his desire to help his fellow man, after dragging other «fathers» into his adventure. 

«Children are neither exchangeable nor refundable».»

The film's direction is clear from the outset: this is a comedy. It deals with serious subjects, but in a light, offbeat tone. The story opens with an image of the protagonist on the ground. A voice-over then recounts his childhood, during which «every day was the day of the great cause». Despite the harshness of the episode recounted - the untimely death of a mother - it is in no way dramatic. The story is told from a distance, with the help of lively music and offbeat images. 

The encounters between wannabe fathers and needy families are also very funny. Hosted by a tactless soccer coach, disrupted by men who don't understand the purpose of the action, or refereed by false fathers who forget their children's names, the second degree is handled with talent. Thanks in particular to the actors, who have adapted their acting to make us laugh and move us. 

«My father had lost more than a wife: a companion, a friend, a guide. He had lost his anger.»

Because the offbeat tone doesn't prevent the lyrics from being very, very touching, as important themes are dealt with in this film. The dialogues have been carefully written, giving a great deal of substance to the main character, who finds himself at a dead end while trying to do good. We also fall in love with his disillusioned sister, played by Camille Lellouche, very much at ease in her lawyer's suit. 

Last but not least, these serious subjects are treated with great respect, but without total verisimilitude or obsession with political correctness. In fact, some of the jokes are based on this, although I have to admit that I found one or two of them a little less sharp. Whatever, the film exudes freshness and the positive messages it conveys are delivered with a light touch: this is a very good comedy, which aims to be a social satire, but without a moralizing tone. You leave the cinema with a smile on your face. Damien may not be able to change the world, but it's still a good time. 

Write to the author: lauriane.pipoz@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © JMH Distributions