Le Weekend

Jim Broadbent, Lindsay Duncan

Well this was a surprise. An aging couple head for a Paris weekend, re-creating the time of their honeymoon. We learn that their life together hasn't been one of unalloyed joy. They are sexually dysfunctional, she seems deeply bitter about something (lost time, her life choices?) and subjects him to humiliating behaviors.

But after showing us all the crud we watch them come together - the last third has them a solid couple enjoying their time together.

This was quite jarring, several times. I'm not sure the two halves match up. The expressions of undying love seem hollow after the things we've been shown in the first half. And the American friend bit came across as wholly contrived...just there to make the dramatic revelation scene possible.

Overall a mixed bag. Helped by the consummate skill of the two main players.

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