Family pack

Family Pack, directed by François Uzan, attempts to capture the essence of the hugely popular game The Werewolves of Thiercelieux and turn it into a film full of fantasy, comedy and adventure. Released on Netflix and starring Franck Dubosc, Suzanne Clément, Jean Reno and Grégory Fitoussi, the film takes its audience on a whimsical journey through a medieval village plagued by werewolves. But despite its premise, which hints at mystery and suspense, the film relies heavily on family dynamics and humor, and occasionally misses opportunities to tell a deeper story and explore complex characters.

Family Pack is a story of reunion and cooperation within a close-knit family. The action begins when the family discovers a mysterious board game from their past that magically transports them to a medieval setting. They are plunged into a high-stakes game where werewolves wreak havoc on the town every night, and the family's mission is to identify and eliminate them in order to return to their reality. This supernatural premise is the perfect starting point for an adventure, but the heart of the film lies in its depiction of a family struggling to communicate and work together - a dynamic that seems familiar in family films, but is no less effective for that.

One of the film's most moving stories is the strained relationship between Jérôme, played by Franck Dubosc, and his aging father, Gilbert, played by Jean Reno. Jérôme struggles with the pain of seeing his father lose his memory, and the film subtly alludes to the fear of generational change that many families face. Gilbert's character often serves as comic relief for his forgetfulness, but he becomes the film's emotional anchor. His amnesia is presented both as a personal tragedy and as a symbol of the fading bond between him and Jérôme. Although the film doesn't explore this dynamic as deeply as it could, the tender moments between these two characters give the story an emotional depth that contrasts nicely with the film's cheerful tone.

But while the relationship between father and son is central, the film fails to develop it fully. Family Pack tackles themes of memory, loss and the fear of forgetting one's past, but they are treated in a rather superficial manner. The revelation of Gilbert's deep connection with the game towards the end could have had more impact if the film had spent more time delving into their relationship earlier. Instead, most of this arc is sloppy, and the audience yearns for a deeper exploration of their bond. Had the film given Gilbert and Jerome's relationship more room to breathe, it could have raised the emotional stakes and made the final resolution more poignant.

That said, the director is to be congratulated for creatively integrating elements of Philippe des Pallières and Hervé Marly's original game Werewolves of Thiercelieux into the plot. In the board game, players take on different roles, each with unique abilities that help them survive and determine which of them are werewolves. In the film, each family member is assigned a power that reflects their personal struggles, which becomes a narrative tool for exploring their relationships. For example, Jerome's ability to read minds forces him to confront his family's thoughts and feelings, resulting in moments that are both funny and moving. Clara (Lisa Do Couto Teixeira), who has trouble feeling heard, acquires the ability to be invisible - a metaphor for how she feels within her family.

These powers add an inventive layer to the film, allowing the characters to grow in a way that matches their real-world problems. Clara and Jérôme's forced cooperation thanks to their new powers is a clever metaphor for their need to reconnect and communicate better. It's a playful device that links the film's fantastical elements to its central theme: family unity. This use of powers feels natural to the story and adds a touch of whimsy to what could have been a more straightforward family comedy.

Family Pack is charming, but not without its faults. Denis Rouden's photography brings the medieval village to life, creating an atmospheric setting that is both magical and down-to-earth. The sets, particularly the village, evoke a sense of history and fantasy, albeit with a slightly artificial quality that sometimes resembles an amusement park attraction. The costumes, made by Atelier 69, are also well done and fit in well with the medieval world, while adding a touch of whimsy befitting a film that doesn't take itself too seriously. On the other hand, the special effects are uneven. While the werewolves' transformations are sometimes impressive, some sequences reveal the limits of the film's budget, and the visual effects don't always live up to the expectations created by the fantastic premise.

The film also draws on a wide range of influences, notably Jumanji, with which it shares the concept of a board game that draws players into a dangerous alternate world. Jumanji with the unforgettable Robin Williams is an obvious point of comparison, although Family Pack leans more towards humor and family adventure than outright suspense. There are also shades of the French comic tradition, with moments that recall the playful absurdity of Louis de Funès and the witty humor of Kaamelott. These references help anchor the film in a recognizable comic framework, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Despite these strengths, Family Pack sometimes struggles under the weight of its ideas. The film juggles multiple subplots - each family member has his or her own arc or challenge to overcome - but not everyone receives equal attention. Some characters, like the rebellious eldest daughter or the technology-obsessed toddler, are reduced to clichés. Their character development seems superficial, serving more as tools for the film's overall message of family cooperation than as individuals in their own right. The family dynamic is understandable, but the film's reliance on predictable characters detracts from the emotional impact it could have had.

Family Pack is broad and accessible, relying on physical comedy and family bickering to keep the tone light. While the jokes are generally effective, the film lacks opportunities for more sophisticated humor that might appeal to an older audience. This reliance on simplistic comedy may make the film more palatable to children, but leaves adult viewers wanting more. What's more, the film's pace is uneven at times, with some scenes dragging on while others are rushed. The balance between adventure, comedy and emotional moments is not always respected, resulting in an enjoyable but somewhat disjointed film.

Family Pack succeeds, however, is in its ability to maintain a sense of fun and adventure throughout. The werewolf mystery provides just enough excitement to keep the audience engaged, although it's clear from the outset that the film is more about family ties than solving a supernatural riddle. François Uzan, known for his work on the popular Lupin series, gives the film a definite style, although it lacks the complex plot and twists and turns that characterize his previous works. Instead, Werewolves (Family Pack) opts for a more straightforward narrative that features a few surprises, particularly towards the end.

Family Pack is a family film that offers a mix of light adventure, humor and fantasy. It doesn't break any new ground, but it manages to offer an enjoyable and accessible experience for its target audience. The film's message of family unity, teamwork and the importance of meeting challenges together is a familiar one, but it's conveyed with enough charm to resonate. While the reliance on clichés and predictable plots may frustrate even the most demanding viewers, the film is likely to appeal to families looking for a fun, heartwarming film to watch together. Despite its flaws, Family Pack captures the essence of a game night with loved ones - full of laughter, occasional frustrations and, ultimately, a sense of togetherness.

Family Pack
Directed by François Uzan
Produced by Clément Miserez, Matthieu Warter
Written by Philippe des Pallières and Hervé Marly
Starring  Franck Dubosc, Suzanne Clément, Jean Reno, Jonathan Lambert, Grégory Fitoussi, Bruno Gouery, Lisa Do Couto Teixeira, Raphaël Romand, Alizée Caugnies , David Salles , Jean-Louis Barcelona 
Music by Guillaume Roussel
Cinematography : Denis Rouden
Edited by             
Production companies : Netflix France, Radar Films, Mediawan Studios 
Distributed by Netflix (France, United States)
Release date : October 23, 2024 (France, United States)
Running time : 94 minutes

Viewed on October 20, 2024 (Netflix press screener)

Mulder's Mark: