Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Paris-set romcom with strong language, sex, and drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
French Lover
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Abel Camara (Omar Sy) is a popular French actor in FRENCH LOVER. He's trying to make the transition to more serious film roles, but all the tabloids want to talk about is his drinking and drug use, and the fact that his ex-girlfriend (Cindy Bruna) dumped him. When he lies on a talk show that he's met someone new, his agent (Pascale Arbillot) suggests he hire an actress to play his new "girlfriend." But, as chance would have it, Abel meets down-on-her-luck, soon-to-be-divorced Marion (Sara Giraudeau) and falls in love with her kindness and lack of pretense—unusual in his celebrity world. Can they withstand the pressures of fame?
Is It Any Good?
This French romcom could have rested entirely on Omar Sy's natural charisma, but it does well in matching him with the quirky, sweet Giraudeau. Some of the goofier humor in French Lover won't play as well outside France, and the film is overly indulgent on length. But other jokes do land (like Marion obsessing over comments she looks like a "depressed sparrow"), and the two lead actors have good chemistry. Paris makes for a lovely backdrop to this pleasant, undemanding romance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what role Paris plays in French Lover. Could the same film be set in a different city? Why or why not?
Why did Marion and Abel break up? Did you agree with one or the other in that argument?
How do you think this film and its characters would change if it were remade in the US or another country?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 26, 2025
- Cast : Omar Sy , Sara Giraudeau , Pascale Arbillot
- Director : Lisa-Nina Rives
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories , Friendship
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 27, 2025
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