106 Minutes, French Comedy/Drama, M

It may not be spring in Paris right now, but Paris is growing some fresh talent. Her name is Louane Emera and she is the star of the new French comedy/drama, LA FAMILLE BELIER (THE BELIER FAMILY), one of several new releases this Boxing Day. Although Emera will be a new face French cinema aficionados are sure to see more of in coming years, she isn’t a complete unknown back home – Louane Emera was a semi-finalist in the second season of reality TV show, “The Voice”. In her first feature film role, she is Paula Belier, the daughter of two deaf parents, living on a farm, who depend heavily on her. But all will soon change in LA FAMILLE BELIER household when Paula’s music teacher, Fabien (Eric Elmosnino – SUMMER HOURS) discovers Paula can sing.

There’s really only one reason to see LA FAMILLE BELIER. Yep, you guessed it – Louane Emera. In a truly breakthrough performance, Emera is forced to carry this film on her own two shoulders at times, and does so effortlessly. Featured in almost every scene, Emera is required to act, sing, and to also perform sign language all throughout. Sometimes all at once! She makes it all look easy with a very natural rhythm and sincere presence, and is so captivating to watch as she sings. A challenge she may not have expected was to keep her composure whilst acting opposite French veteran Karin Viard (DELICATESSEN) who gives a clumsy, overly physical performance in an equally over-the-top written character. Eric Elmosnino as the brash Music teacher Fabien, who knows true talent when he hears it, is given some pretty insulting, incisive dialogue that would impress Fletcher (J. K Simmons) from WHIPLASH! Thankfully, and luckily, the writers were smart enough to make sure Paula is (almost) always the centre of attention and for doing so, LA FAMILLE BELIER remains a fairly crowd-pleasing and entertaining movie for fans of the French way of filmmaking.

3 out of 5

LA FAMILLE BELIER – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
Insulting dialogue, some offensive language as well as some sexual references and intimacy are contained in this comedy/drama best suited to 13 years and above.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Paige, Palace Films and Cinema NOVA for the invite to the screening of LA FAMILLE BELIER.

Review by Moviedoc
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