‘The Party’s Over’ Review: South of France-Set Satire Follows an Escalating Class Conflict

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The Party’s Over” is a largely amusing satire that focuses on the growing tension between the Trousselards, a snobbish wealthy couple, and the Azizis, their undocumented and underpaid employees managing their lavish vacation home. Both families have daughters close in age, although their circumstances differ significantly. Unlike films like “Parasite”, it doesn’t deliver the intricate plotlines and compassionate characters that would make it stand out. However, it has several strengths: notable performances by talented actors who seem to enjoy their roles, witty dialogues, a picturesque villa in the French Riviera as the backdrop, and an appealing musical score by Clémence Ducreux that combines seriousness and mockery. Outside of French-speaking regions, film festivals and streaming platforms are likely venues to showcase “The Party.

The arrogant lawyer Philippe (played by Laurent Lafitte), known for peppering everyday conversations with obscure Latin phrases, along with his ex-actress wife Laurence (portrayed by Élodie Bouchez), receive the newest boyfriend of their aspiring actress daughter Garance, Mehdi (Sami Outabali, who plays a very likable character). The background of Mehdi, a law graduate, is noticeably different and less affluent than his hosts. His previous jobs as a waiter and delivery boy are evident, as well as his lack of the refined manners that Philippe and Laurence possess. To them, every action of Mehdi seems slightly awkward – from his choice of attire to his gift for the hostess to his conversation.

The well-off Trousselards appear to believe that those serving them should always be ready to attend to their needs. So, Philippe feels it’s acceptable to disrupt the Azizi family’s birthday dinner for Marylou (Mahia Zrouki) to ask Tony (Ramzy Bedia) to unclog a sink. Meanwhile, Laurence feels comfortable instructing Tony not to do his tasks without a shirt on and asking Nadine (Laure Calamy, charming) to be mindful of marks when cleaning their windows.

The Trousselards often offer unwanted advice to Mehdi, as well. Laurence points out that one reason Philippe’s firm takes on lawyers’ sons as interns is because they are confident and understand the client environment. She advises Mehdi that he comes across as too polite and apologetic.

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The Trousselards frequently give unsolicited advice to Mehdi, according to Laurence. The reason Philippe’s company prefers to hire lawyers’ sons as interns is due to their confidence and familiarity with the client sphere. She suggests that Mehdi should work on being less polite and apologetic.

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Laurence mentions that the Trousselards frequently offer guidance to Mehdi, even though it wasn’t asked for. She explains that Philippe’s firm hires sons of lawyers as interns because they are confident and knowledgeable about clients. Laurence advises Mehdi to tone down his politeness and apologetic nature.

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According to Laurence, the Trousselards often share their opinions with Mehdi without being asked. She explains that one reason Philippe’s company takes on lawyers’ sons as interns is because they are confident and familiar with clients. Laurence suggests that Mehdi should try to be less polite and apologetic.

When Tony’s patience with Philippe’s arrogant behavior is pushed to the limit, leading him to retaliate in a way Philippe finds unacceptable, he decides to terminate the Azizis. However, Tony and Nadine prove difficult to persuade. As the conflict intensifies, Mehdi bravely steps forward to mediate, aiming to broker a truce between the feuding parties.

Throughout the storyline, the screenplay effectively satirizes Philippe’s character, depicting him as a man who takes pride in cultivating his organic garden and pairing exquisite wines with meals, yet lacks knowledge about the proper temperature for washing a load of whites. The acting world also receives a few humorous criticisms. Laurence began her career as a scantily-dressed ingenue. When Mehdi mentions his father’s favorite film, she quips, “That film captivated men’s minds. But don’t fret, I’ve made some with more clothing too.” In preparation for her first role, Garance struggles to evoke tears but eventually finds it easy to cry when narrating a highly significant fictional story that holds deep meaning within her family.

Helmer Cordier skillfully gathers an exceptional cast, whose performances are consistently entertaining. A particularly noteworthy moment occurs when Calamy persuades Bouchez (who was previously seen lounging by a pool in a swimsuit during the Directors’ Fortnight premiere “Enzo”) to join her in a hot tub.

The film titled ‘Party’ is Cordier’s fourth work. This film will be screened during the Directors’ Fortnight, exactly twenty years after his initial feature debut with ‘Cold Showers.’

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2025-05-23 00:46