Love at First Fight

Les Combattants (2015), AKA Love at First Fight, is a French romantic comedy new to Netflix Watch Instantly.  Truly a drama at heart with thoughtfully nuanced character interaction, this film is centered around Arnaud (Kévin Azaïs), a young man who befriends a girl, Madeleine (Adèle Haenel), bent on survivalist military training.  Madeleine enrolls in a militia boot camp of sorts and Arnaud takes leave of the family construction business to go along for the ride against the wishes of his brother who is carrying the weight of the business load.

To begin the commentary on the merits of this film and not in order of importance, I should mention the acting is wonderful and there is real depth in the chemistry between the two central characters. The dialogue is a bit sophomoric in parts but appropriately so for a film about young adults.  The contrast between this film and similar films of this genre here in the States is remarkable.  The latter habitually clings to childish gimmicks and stereotypes typically in the tradition of goofball summer camp flicks and the like.

To end this review I submit that the most amazing aspect of Les Combattants is David Callie's beautiful cinematography.  Memorable scenes include the long trailing shot of Arnaud wading into the sea; the vibrant dance scene set to euphoric beats with brilliant colors enveloping the room; and delicate moments in the scenic countryside and forestland of France.  The cinematography alone is so good that a viewer could even enjoy this movie with the sound off.

I highly recommend Les Combattants, especially to young adults so they can experience what's out there beyond cliche-riddled American teen flicks.  4/5.

Director: Thomas Caille