The Electric Kiss Review: A Delightful French Comedy with Stunning Design from Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival Kicks Off with ‘The Electric Kiss’
The Cannes Film Festival commenced on Tuesday, showcasing its opening-night film, The Electric Kiss (La Venus électrique). This romantic comedy, rich with themes of loss, grief, deception, and the rediscovery of love for life and art, embodies a quintessentially French cinematic experience.
Premiering out of competition, the film is set in 1928 Paris and is directed by veteran filmmaker Pierre Salvadori, known for works like After You and Priceless. It presents a nostalgic feel and aims to provide viewers with an escape, especially amid the darker narratives anticipated at the festival over the next 11 days.
The plot centers on Suzanne, portrayed by Anais Demoustier, a struggling carnival performer whose act involves delivering an "electric" kiss—a shocking jolt meant to symbolize the thrill of romantic love. Faced with mounting desperation, she turns to petty crime, including an attempted robbery of her neighbor, a psychic. Unexpectedly, Suzanne is mistaken for the medium by Antoine Balestro, played by Pio Marmaï, a grieving artist grappling with the death of his wife, Irene. Seeking a connection with her, he inadvertently ignites Suzanne’s questionable side hustle.
As the story unfolds, Antoine’s friend and manager, Armand, played by Gilles Lellouche, quickly recognizes Suzanne’s deception and chastises her for profiting from Antoine’s sorrow. However, when he observes that her sessions inspire Antoine’s painting, he shifts gears and collaborates with her for mutual benefit, leading to a mix of past memories and an emerging romance.
Despite the potential for farcical comedy, Salvadori and co-writers Benjamin Charbit and Benoit Graffin opt for a more nuanced approach, steering clear of clichéd humor associated with death. The film embraces a romantic and humanistic tone, with well-cast actors delivering heartfelt performances. Marmaï stands out as the only honest character, while both Demoustier and Pons enrich the narrative with compelling portrayals.
Visually, The Electric Kiss shines thanks to the contributions of cinematographer Julien Poupard, production designer Angelo Zamparutti, and composer Camille Bazbaz, who together enhance the film’s aesthetic.
While The Electric Kiss may not redefine cinema, it serves as a fitting and charming opener for the Cannes Film Festival.
Film Information:
- Title: The Electric Kiss
- Festival: Cannes (Opening-night film, Out of Competition)
- Director: Pierre Salvadori
- Screenwriters: Benjamin Charbit, Benoit Graffin, Pierre Salvadori
- Cast: Pio Marmaï, Anais Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, Vimala Pons, Gustave Kervern, Madeleine Baudot
- Running Time: 2 hr 2 mins
- Sales Agent: Playtime
