REVIEW: Fly Me Away – a predictable feel-good film

Fly Me Away (Envole-moi) is currently showing at the Alliance Française French Film Festival around Australia. It is a feel-good film adapted and produced by Christope Barratier, whose earliest work was the very popular documentary, Microcosmos released in 1996. Barratier was also writer and director of War of the Buttons, which screened at the AFFFF a few years ago.

In the opening scene, a drunk Thomas (Victor Belmondo) crashes his car through the garage and straight into his father’s pool. His laissez-faire, careless attitude is summed up by him saying “t’inquietes, on rangerait ca demain” (don’t worry we’ll fix it tomorrow) like it’s no big deal.

Fly Me Away sees irresponsible 30 something Thomas forced to spend his days with 12 year old chronically and severely ill, Marcus (Yoann Eloundou) or be cut off financially and kicked out of the house he shares with his father, Doctor Henri Reinhard (Gérard Lanvin).

Predictably, Thomas shows up late the first few times and forgets important information (like keeping Marcus’s oxygen tank with him at all times) but before long he is enriching young Marcus’ life and perhaps learning there’s more to life than drinking, clubbing and picking up a different girl every night. While they cross off Marcus’ bucket list, we begin to see Thomas isn’t entirely self-centred and has the capacity to think of others. That said, there were times when showering Marcus with gifts and experiences seemed a little like charity rather than genuine.

This was Yoann Eloundou’s first feature film role and he played it well. Unfortunately, Victor Belmondo, grandson of Jean-Paul Belmondo, in the role of Thomas, looked strained when he was meant to be appearing concerned. This is the first time I have seen him in a film and he certainly doesn’t appear to have his grandfather’s talent based on his performance in Fly Me Away. Gérard Lanvin was convincing as the frustrated father and concerned doctor.  Marie-Sohna Condé was great in the role of Marcus’ concerned, sad mother.

Unfortunately, Fly Me Away was predictable and a bit clichéd. What had the potential to be a great film is instead an average one. Privileged/spoilt man meets an adult/child who is disabled/sick/underprivileged. It’s all be done before and unfortunately Barratier did not put a fresh spin on it. Fly Me Away is an easy watching, feel good film, which doesn’t require much thinking. It is punctuated with moments of comedy (particularly pranks played on the nosy neighbour), and is heart-warming, but is not the must-see film at the Alliance Française French Film Festival 2022.

3 CROISSANTS

Matilda Marseillaise was given access to a screener of this film for this review.

READ OUR REVIEWS OF OTHER FILMS AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

REVIEW: OSS 117: From Africa with Love – Jean Dujardin and Pierre Niney on screen together is a delight

REVIEW: The Braves: a film about the strength of friendship

REVIEW: Paul W.R’s Last Journey: an apocalyptic, vibrant sci-fi fantasy

Love Songs for Tough Guys: a comedy about ageing gang members getting in touch with their softer sides

A Tale of Love and Desire: an exploration of religious and gender expectations in Paris

KEY INFO FOR ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2022

WHAT: Alliance Française French Film Festival

WHERE AND WHEN:

• Adelaide: 24^thMarch to 24^th April (Encore screenings: 25^th to 26^th April)
• Brisbane: 16^thMarch to 13^th April (Encore screenings: 14^th to 18^th April)
• Byron Bay: 30^thMarch to 14^th April (Encore screenings: 15^th to 16^th April)
• Hobart: 9^thto 20^th March
• Canberra: 2^nd March to 6^th April (Encore screenings: 7^th to 10^th April)
• Melbourne: 3^rd March to 6^th April (Encore screenings: 7^th to 10^th April)
• Parramatta: 7^thto 10^th April
• Perth: 9^th March to 6^th April (Encore screenings: 7^th to 10^th April)
• Sydney: 1^stMarch to 6^th April (Encore screenings: 7^th to 10^th April)

HOW: Discover the AFFFF 2022 programme here.