4/5

Review by John P. Harvey.

Albert (Pio Marmaï) drives luggage at an airport and makes money after hours selling passengers’ confiscated goods in a vain effort to repay his debts.  Bruno (Jonathan Cohen) makes a bit of money here and there, in any way he can, and is similarly deep in debt.  Shortly after they meet over a sale, they attend a political meeting for the free beer, and there they meet the charismatic protest leader Cactus (Noémie Merlant).  As Albert and Bruno become involved in the series of protests the group plans, Albert falls under Cactus’s spell.  But, alongside the struggles of their debt advisor, Henri (Mathieu Amalric), to help Albert and Bruno recover from their debts, Albert also seizes the underhand opportunity for himself and Bruno to cash in on the protest group’s morally sound activities.

Naturally, Albert’s mixed motives in being involved in the protest group eventually come to light; what then for his chance to woo Cactus?  And what will become of the hapless Bruno, whose dreams of marital redemption keep eluding him?  Our protagonists’ main gifts seem to be their capacity to romp from one ill-considered course of action to the next, along the way stretching friendships and familial ties to the limit.  Will they also bring the full force of the law down upon themselves?

A Difficult Year is rich in humour, with characters who, either through their good-heartedness or through their misfortunes, attract in almost equal measure our sympathies and our laughter. The film may offer few deep and meaningful takeaways, but it’s wonderfully acted, skilfully filmed, a lot of fun, and highly recommended.

Screening at Palace cinemas.