A bear in the Jura

A bear in the Jura marks Franck Dubosc's third film and a real turning point in the actor-director's career. Far from resting on his laurels in popular comedy, where he excels, Franck Dubosc signs here a singular work, halfway between thriller, black comedy and human drama. From the very first scenes, viewers are plunged into a world of biting humor, reinforced by a captivating plot and snowy landscapes that lend the film an almost hypnotic atmosphere. The majestic, isolated Jura becomes an essential backdrop, a silent but omnipresent character who gives the story a striking visual dimension. Viewers are immediately captivated by the film's unfolding.

The film follows the misadventures of Michel and Cathy, a couple in financial difficulty, whose lives are turned upside down when a car accident brings them into possession of a suitcase containing two million euros. This point of departure propels the story into a spiral of misunderstandings, moral dilemmas and confrontations, combining tension and humor. Franck Dubosc relies on an effective screenplay (co-written with Sarah Kaminsky), which manages to maintain interest thanks to well-judged twists and turns and a writing style that juggles genres. The dialogue, often sharp and funny, brings a welcome lightness to a sometimes dark plot.

In terms of acting, the film boasts a truly solid cast. Franck Dubosc delivers a nuanced performance, at odds with his usual comic roles, while Laure Calamy brings a disarming naturalness to her character, oscillating between tenderness and pragmatism. Benoît Poelvoorde, in the role of a gendarme overwhelmed by events, delivers a striking performance, alternating with ease between comedy and gravity. These well-directed actors manage to infuse their characters with real humanity, despite some of the script's exaggerations. It's a pleasure to find here all the elements of good French cinema as we love it.

The direction, inspired by the Coen brothers (there's no doubt about it), notably in films like Fargo, is a major asset. The carefully shot snowy landscapes reinforce the story's mysterious, oppressive atmosphere, while providing a striking contrast with the dark humor that punctuates the film. This influence is evident in the overall tone of the film, which plays on absurdity and offbeat situations while exploring universal themes such as greed, morality and compromise.

However, not everything in A bear in the Jura is perfect. Some aspects of the plot, notably the final resolution, can seem rushed, and some secondary characters lack development. What's more, the mix of genres, while mastered on the whole, sometimes gives the impression of narrative overload, with the film's ambitions slightly outweighing its overall coherence. Nonetheless, these weaknesses in no way detract from the pleasure of this audacious work.

A Bear in the Jura stands out as an original proposition in the French cinema landscape. With its blend of black comedy, suspense and drama, it offers an unexpected cinematic experience, supported by convincing performances and meticulous direction. Whether you're a fan of offbeat humor, thrillers or simply curious to discover a film with a difference, this Franck Dubosc production certainly deserves a place on your list of films to discover at the cinema in January.

A bear in the Jura
Directed by Franck Dubosc
Produced by
Written by Franck Dubosc, Sarah Kaminsky
Starring Franck Dubosc, Laure Calamy, Benoît Poelvoorde, Joséphine de Meaux, Kim Higelin, Mehdi Meskar, Timéo Mahaut, Emmanuelle Devos, Louka Meliava, Jean-Louis Loca , Christophe Canard , Anne Le Ny , Claire Guillon , Bérénice Sand
Music by Sylvain Goldberg
Cinematography : Ludovic Colbeau-Justin, Dominique Fausset
Edited by Audrey Simonaud
Production companies : Gaumont
Distributed by Gaumont (France),
Release date : January 1, 2025 (France)
Running time : 113 minutes

Seen on January 2, 2025 at UGC Le Majestic Meaux , salle 2 seat F5

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