Two over-indebted men half-heartedly join the ranks of a group of ecological activists in the hope of making some profits.
Masters of benevolent comedies with a social content, Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache (Untouchables, Samba, The meaning of the celebration) this time like to gently mock capitalism and environmentalism. As they point out from the outset, since 1974, each President of the Republic, from Pompidou to Macron, has affirmed that the year has been or will be difficult. And it certainly is for the irresistible tandem formed by Pio Marmaï (recently seen as a mediocre actor in Yannickby Quentin Dupieux) and Jonathan Cohen (Graindemaïs in Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdomby Guillaume Canet).
Over-indebted, Albert (Marmaï) and Bruno (Cohen) no longer know what to do to repay the money they owe to banks, their family and those around them. However, this does not prevent them from going on Black Friday. “Do I need it?” Do I really need it? Do I really need it now? », Repeats to them in vain Henri (Mathieu Amalric), a volunteer working for an organization helping people who are over-indebted… who is not, however, a model of virtue.
Sensing unlimited free beer, the two soon join a group of environmental activists who organize demonstrations to denounce overconsumption. Forced to participate, Albert and Bruno see it as an opportunity to make money. However, Albert soon has a crush on the intense Cactus (Noémie Merlant), to the great dismay of Quinoa (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet), who doubts the former’s real intentions.
With its spectacular scenes of demonstrations, in which real activists collaborated, A difficult year first presents itself as a festive denunciation of overconsumption in Western societies, to the sound of successes of Nile Rodgers and the Doors, coupled with a sincere tribute to the defenders of the planet. However, the more the story progresses, with quarrels and misunderstandings ad nauseam, Toledano and Nakache seem to make fun of both camps. And one more than the other.
Bordering on caricature, especially on the side of the ecologists, whose caviar left origins or nostalgia for May 68 can be guessed, the characters follow an evolution which takes them barely further than their starting point. In some cases, no lessons seem to have been learned on either side. Then comes a conclusion that is certainly charming but sewn with white thread, carried by The thousand-beat waltz, during which one has to wonder where Toledano and Nakache were going with this. This could also explain why A difficult year broke its teeth at the French box office.
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Comedy
A difficult year
Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache
Pio Marmaï, Jonathan Cohen, Noémie Merlant
2 hours