Delicacy

Essentially an old-fashioned film dressed up with a helping of Gallic whimsy, this comedy-drama from the fraternal team of David and Stéphane Foenkinos kicks off with a fairy-tale romance between free-spirited sprite Nathalie (Audrey Tautou) and ruggedly handsome François (Pio Marmaï), who meet cute in a bistro. After a whirlwind courtship, the pair wed, but happiness turns to tragedy when François dies in an accident, sending Nathalie into deep grieving. Shaken by a pass from her married boss, Nathalie impulsively kisses Swedish co-worker Markus (François Damiens). For her the smooch was an inexplicable act, but to him—a balding, flabbily bland guy—it's an intoxicating entrée into a new world of possible romance. Will the two wind up together? The plot trajectory of Delicacy is as predictable as any Hollywood rom-com, although the filmmakers leave room for a bit of enigma at the close. An optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “making-of” featurette (25 min.), an interview with star Audrey Tautou (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a lightweight rom-com.] (F. Swietek)