Robust

Dir: Constance Meyer
Cast: Déborah Lukumuena, Gérard Depardieu
Running time: 95 mins
French with English Subtitles

“A charming, soulful French Dramedy… supremely well performed” Variety

Larger than life in all conceivable ways, Gérard Depardieu can be a disruptive, unsteadying presence in films which fail to cater to the fact that he brings generous helping of Depardieu to any role he plays.

Constance Meyer’s highly enjoyable Critics’ Week opener Robuste not only takes this on board, it runs with it, casting Depardieu as Georges, an ageing French actor with a tendency to crash motorbikes and to embark on drunken misadventures.

“France without meat isn’t France,” he grumbles at one point, which is possibly the most Depardieu thing that anyone has ever said.

The film’s secret weapon, however, is Déborah Lukumuena, supremely assured as Aïssa, the temporary security guard with whom Georges forges a grudging friendship.

George is an aging film star in decay. Aïssa, a semi-pro wrestler who earns a living as a security officer, has a hard time handling her love life. When Georges right-arm man and only friend takes a leave of absence for several weeks, Aïssa is immediately appointed as his replacement.

Between this pragmatic young lady bodyguard and our disenchanted renowned actor, a singular bond begins to take root. Despite their individual differences, life has shaped them in ways more similar than they thought.

Please read our Cinema FAQs page detailing our safety guidance and refunds policy.