Franck Dubosc has taken his filmmaking career to new heights with the release of his latest film, Un Ours dans le Jura, on January 1, 2025. Known primarily for his romantic comedies, Dubosc steps outside of his comfort zone to deliver this unexpected blend of dark comedy and thriller, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Jura region of France.
The film features Dubosc himself playing the lead character, Michel, alongside the talented Laure Calamy as Cathy. Comedic and dramatic tones intertwine as Michel, who sells Christmas trees with his wife, finds himself enmeshed in absurd circumstances after attempting to avoid colliding with a bear. His wild maneuver results not only in the accidental death of two motorists but also the discovery of two million euros stashed away in their vehicle, leading to chaos and darkly humorous events.
Dubosc explained his artistic evolution, stating, "J'ai un ADN que je ne peux et ne veux paschanger. Il y a donc un dénominateur commun à chacun de mes films." This sentiment highlights his consistent return to the exploration of human relationships, even as he delves deep within murky themes of morality and consequence.
The film's unique narrative style sets it apart, as Dubosc has intentionally crafted Un Ours dans le Jura as more than just another comedic outing. He describes wanting to avoid the pitfalls of American-style filmmaking, aiming instead to portray genuinely French characters grappling with relatable dilemmas. He mentioned, "Ça reste un film français avec des personnages très français, qui portent des anoraks français."
Laure Calamy, who plays Michel's wife, pours her multifaceted acting prowessinto her role, commenting on the project's unexpected depth. “C'était cette Laure que je voulais, pas celle, plus dans un registre plus comique, d'Antoinette dans les Cévennes,” she shared, underscoring the character's complexity beyond mere comedic relief. The duo portrays the ups and downs of their relationship with sincerity, contributing to the film's arsenal of absurd yet relatable moments.
Benoît Poelvoorde, who plays one of the supporting roles, affirmed the significance of Dubosc’s writing style, stating, “Il y a beaucoup d'idées reçues sur Franck. Or, si j'ai une qualité, c'est celle de ne jamais lire un scénario avec des a priori.” His praise reflects the genuine potential he saw within the film's script, which offers both humor and unexpected darkness—elements often present on the fringes of Dubosc's earlier works.
Dubosc was deliberate about maintaining comedic narration balanced with serious themes, insisting, "Je voulais que le rire surgisse naturellement, presque en filigrane, sans briser l'atmosphère sombre du film." This intention brings forth laughter at moments when it feels most organic, never breaking the film's immersive tension.
Critics have lauded Un Ours dans le Jura for its compelling performances, particularly praising Dubosc's self-direction. Samuel Douhaire concluded, stating, "Il joue aussi très bien le type qui a un talent dingue pour se fourrer dans la mouise et faire n'importe quoi.” His ability to touch upon the trials of daily life, juxtaposed with the film's oddities, keeps the audience engaged and prompts laughter amid chaos.
The film not only showcases Dubosc's ability to shift genres, but also offers audience members the chance to reflect on the absurdity of human nature. Set against the spectacular Jura landscapes, moments of dark humor punctuate the narrative, making it clear why Dubosc chose to venture down this path. With its release coinciding with the holiday season, it invites moviegoers to join this chaotic yet heartfelt ride just before they return to their regular routines.