On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the French channel France 2 is set to air "On sourit pour la photo," at 21h10. Directed by François Uzan, this charming comedy presents not just humor but also family dynamics intertwined with nostalgia, as it tells the story of Thierry Hamelin, played by Jacques Gamblin. Determined to rekindle the spark with his wife Claire, portrayed by Pascale Arbillot, Thierry embarks on the ambitious quest to recreate their most cherished family vacation to Greece from 1998.
Initially, the film was meant to take place in Italy, yet Uzan switched to Greece to explore the dichotomy between tourist perceptions and local realities. Shot over the summer of 2020 amid strict health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film features stunning locations such as the island of Egine and the south of Athens, providing viewers with authentic and picturesque Mediterranean scenes. Uzan explains, “The Greece I portray isn’t the tourist Mecca of the Cyclades and the parties of Mykonos! It’s instead the more authentic Greece, representing the Hamelin family.” Thanks to health and safety measures, the production team was afforded unique access to otherwise crowded tourist sites, filming early mornings at iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the temple of Aphaïa.
This familial comedy speaks to the challenges of modern relationships, especially when faced with separation and divorce. Thierry is portrayed as nostalgic for the past, spending his days sorting through family photos, believing the best memories are behind him. When Claire expresses her desire to leave him, Thierry, devastated yet resolute, proposes they relive their best vacation, known as "Greece 98.” The backdrop of Greece offers not only beauty but also evokes themes of longing, memories, and the weight of familial responsibilities.
Uzan, who co-created the popular series “Lupin” and was previously involved with the hit show “Family Business,” has crafted this endearing film as his first feature-length directorial effort. The film was awarded the special jury prize at the Alpe d’Huez Festival. With its mix of humor and poignant family encounters, it’s set against the backdrop of breathtaking Greek scenery, making it more than just another comedy.
The casting is equally compelling. Jacques Gamblin effectively steps away from his usual introspective roles, delivering a warm yet slightly frazzled portrayal of Thierry, desperately trying to mend his marriage. Pascale Arbillot's performance presents Claire as far more complex, demonstrating the nuanced layers of her character who grapples with feelings of love and weariness. Supporting them are actors Pablo Pauly and Agnès Hurstel, who embody teenage children caught between nostalgia and frustration, and Ludovik, who brings much-needed levity to the production.
Throughout this comedic yet heartwarming narrative, the film highlights the often messy reality of family life and the bittersweet nature of trying to relive and recreate old memories. Uzan’s screenplay allows light-hearted moments to coexist with sincere emotional confrontations, with each family member facing their own truths during this life-altering trip. The film invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the passage of time, balancing comedy with moments of honesty.
Despite underperforming at the box office with only 70,000 admissions upon its theatrical release, the film's upcoming debut on television is anticipated to bring it to wider audiences. Its initial screening on March 16, 2025, gives newer viewers the opportunity to engage with its themes of nostalgia, love, and familial duties. Will it resonate with the audience as it seeks to charm them from their living room?
On sourit pour la photo serves as both entertainment and reflection, encapsulating the essence of family life and the struggle to maintain connections. It’s about grappling with the weight of past experiences and cherishing the moments shared, even when they are imperfect. Whether through laughter or tears, the film conveys important truths about love and family. The emotional stakes never become too heavy, ensuring it remains enjoyable and relatable, making for the perfect Sunday night viewing experience.