Qui m’aime me suive! (2019)

Directed by: Jose Alcala | 91 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Daniel Auteuil, Catherine Frot, Bernard Le Coq, Solam Dejean-Lacréole, Vanessa Paric, Diouc Koma, India Hair, Olivier Loustau, Anne Benoît, Thomas Walch, Lou Jarnot

“Qui m’aime me suive!” is about the unhappy couple Gilbert and Simone. Why the two are still together is a mystery, although Gilbert (Daniel Auteuil) seems mainly to have a plate in front of his head and not to realize how dissatisfied Simone (Catherine Frot) is with their lives. The two have huge debts and seem unable to do anything about it. To give her life some meaning, Simone cheats on Etienne (Bernard Le Coq), Gilbert’s best friend from the past – also their neighbor. When Etienne tries his luck elsewhere and the bailiffs show up, Simone makes a hasty decision and leaves.

From that point on, the focus of the film shifts more towards Gilbert. An unexpected – and initially unwanted – visit from a family member turns his world even more upside down. We witness how he tries to manage this turn – along with the departure of his beloved Simone. His wife’s sudden farewell may come like a bolt from the blue for the sixties, but he won’t let it just pass him by! Fortunately, thirty-five years of marriage has allowed him to predict her actions, so tracking where she is is a breeze for Gilbert.

“Qui m’aime me suive!” shines in mediocrity. There are moments when you think you are almost moved, such as Gilbert and Térence’s timid approach, but then the film switches to another scene. The story is not special and the actors also beat themselves through the insignificant scenario without too much enthusiasm. Catherine Frot plays a character that you quickly become annoyed with and her lover Etienne is just as hollow. Only Daniel Auteuils Gilbert still somewhat deserves the viewer’s sympathy and because of him the film can still be watched. Probably ‘Qui m’aime finds me suive!’ there is still a connection with the actors’ contemporaries, but this French little girl will not leave a deep impression.