Fix: Quirky French Rom-Com
Platform: Netflix
Netflix Summary:
A passionate pianist and a soulful puzzle maker who treasures silence aren’t the best neighbors, but things get interesting when they start to date.
FYA Summary:
A woman moves into an apartment and finds that the wall between her home and her next door neighbor’s home is laughably thin; this would have been bad, regardless, but is even more so when she’s a pianist and he values peace and quiet.
At first, the two battle it out, making each of their lives miserable. But they soon find themselves in a truce, and then a friendship, and then a relationship. But can they have something true and lasting when neither has seen the others’ face?
Un-Familiar Faces:
I don’t watch many French films, so I was unfamiliar with all of the actors in Blind Date. However, I’m making an assumption that the two main actors are pretty well known in France (?).
Mélanie Bernier as “Machine”
I’m pretty sure that Machine (“Whosit”) has had the idea of “be seen and not heard” drilled into her head from a young age. She’s wound extremely tight at the start of the film, but begins to relax as she gets to know her neighbor. He helps her to regain her passion for music, just as she helps him regain his passion for life.
Clovis Cornillac as “Machin”
Machin (“Whatsit”) is super abrasive at first, and kind of a jerk. But he quickly warms up to Machine, and his softer side shines through. His softening is super sweet and totally believable.
Plus, Clovis has a little bit of a bearded Chris Pine thing going on, which I dig.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Grab Your Girlfriends
Although it started a bit slow, Blind Date quickly became absolutely adorable. I found myself, more than once, watching with a smile on my face. This is the perfect movie for a girls’ night, afternoon, or morning (whichever you prefer).
(Note: Make sure no one’s bothered by subtitles, because this movie is nearly entirely in French.)
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Low
I don’t speak French, so I had to pay particular attention to the subtitles while watching this movie in order to understand what was going on, and think having had a drink while doing so would have diminished my ability to follow the story. (I’m a lightweight; what can I say?) However, if you speak French, and then—by all means—pour yourself a glass of red and santé!
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Fantastic
I’ve had Blind Date on my list to watch for a while, but kept passing it over it for other things. Thankfully, I took a chance on this sweet, heartwarming movie on a recent sick day, and I couldn’t have chosen a better way to help myself get well. This movie is the film equivalent of a glass of orange juice, a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a cozy blanket. And I’m pretty sure it’s just as happy-making if you’re not feeling ill.
