Touching Comedy ‘Germain’⁢ Offers‌ a Tender ‍Look at Grief ⁣and​ Rediscovery

Don’t miss⁢ this heartwarming film debuting this Thursday at 8:30 ⁢p.m. on La Trois.

A beautifully crafted comedy is set to premiere this week,‍ offering ⁤a poignant‌ and frequently enough ​humorous exploration of grief,⁢ independence, and the ‌unexpected power⁤ of art.⁤ The film centers on Germain, portrayed with remarkable depth by François Berléand, a 75-year-old widower ‌grappling with⁢ the sudden loss of his wife,‍ Lise (Dominique⁤ Raymond). Lise, a vibrant woman deeply involved in artistic pursuits, was actively ⁢rehearsing for a contemporary dance ⁢show choreographed by Maria Ribot when she‍ tragically‍ passed away.

Germain’s world is ⁢quickly turned upside down, not only by his loss but also ‍by​ the‌ well-intentioned, yet stifling, interference ‍of his​ children. ‌ Concerned for his well-being, they ⁤attempt to micromanage his ⁢life with constant ‍visits, pre-arranged meals, and a rigidly scheduled ⁢routine – a life, as the film aptly describes, “regulated like a Swiss watch!”

However, driven by a⁢ promise made to Lise, germain secretly​ decides to honor her memory by taking her‍ place in Ribot’s dance production. He deliberately keeps​ his ​involvement hidden from‌ his children, anticipating their disapproval, and finds himself navigating increasingly elaborate explanations for his absences. This act‌ of quiet rebellion becomes a ​powerful⁤ journey of self-finding and a⁣ testament to the ‍enduring strength⁤ of love.

Directed by Delphine Lehericey, a ⁣Swiss director ‌and actress now based in Belgium, “Germain” is a film brimming with poetry and ‍subtle humor. Critics are ⁣already ‍praising Berléand’s “imperious” performance as the inspired old man‍ who finds solace and liberation in the expressive world of dance. it’s a story ‍that reminds us it’s never too late to​ embrace life,⁣ challenge expectations, and find joy in unexpected places.

This article originally appeared in Le Télépro on November 13, 2025.

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