What a tiptop cast writer-director Amanda Sthers has assembled for this French comedy. Ana (Toni Collette), the Madame of the house, is Harry’s (Harvey Kietel‘s) second wife and they’re hosting an important dinner party. When Harry invites his son, Steven (Brendan Patricks) it makes 13 and she needs one more. So she drafts reluctant maid Marie (Rossy De Palma, who is an Amoldovare favourite).
Marie is nervous, but she ends up the hit of the table talk and charms a British art assessor, (Micael Smilie) and romance flares. Ana isn’t impressed with how impressive Marie can be, and wants to sabotage the romance, but can’t until Harry’s art deal goes through… and she’s flirting with the buyer. Meanwhile, Harry is in lust with his French teacher and Steven is a writer without a story and does what he can to facilitate Maria’s dalliance. Guess what he’s writing about?
This is a charming romantic comedy with a twist. There’s more than a touch of Brigit Jones and Cinderella here, and there’s a few sly references. Sure, they’re old tales but this one has a funny script and some class actors at play. I’ve seen lots of Rossy before, but never 
in such a strong role. She’s brilliant. Toni’s character is pretty narcissistic, but she plays her well. And Harvey is having a fun time, as is Smilie. He’s convincingly charming and shallow. I liked them all, even the despicable characters. The bright colours and lighting make for a classy looking film.
Romantic comedies, and even Cinderella, are political in nature. They’re about love breaking class barriers and this makes those issues clear. At first, the ending jarred on me. But at second thoughts, it fits today’s cynical times (and Amanda’s Sthers explanation in our interview made perfect sense). It is satisfyingly empowering without being predictable.
Madame is in cinemas nationally from August 17
Con’s Score: 3.5 glass slippers
Con Nats – On The Town & Theatre Now
See Con’s interview with Amanda Sthers here
