Review of “Our Happy Holiday” (2018): A Delightful French Romantic Comedy
“Our Happy Holiday” (original title: “Premières vacances”), directed by Patrick Cassir, is a 2018 French romantic comedy that explores the whimsical and often chaotic journey of a new relationship tested by a spontaneous holiday. Starring Jonathan Cohen and Camille Chamoux, the film captures the humorous and endearing aspects of a budding romance.
Plot Overview
The story follows Marion (Camille Chamoux) and Ben (Jonathan Cohen), both in their thirties, who meet on Tinder. Despite their stark differences, they decide impulsively to go on a vacation together shortly after their first date. Choosing Bulgaria as their destination, which is a compromise between their individual dream spots, they embark on a trip that reveals their contrasting personalities and the challenges of adapting to each other’s quirks.
Performance and Direction
Jonathan Cohen and Camille Chamoux deliver charming performances as the lead couple. Cohen’s portrayal of Ben is particularly notable for his comedic timing and relatable depiction of a man trying to navigate the early stages of a relationship. Chamoux, who also co-wrote the screenplay, brings a delightful mix of wit and vulnerability to her role as Marion.
Patrick Cassir’s direction balances the light-heartedness of a romantic comedy with deeper moments of character development. The narrative flows smoothly, making good use of scenic Bulgarian landscapes to add to the film’s visual appeal. Cassir’s experience with comedy shines through, creating a film that is both entertaining and heartwarming.
Cinematography and Production Design
Yannick Ressigeac’s cinematography captures the beauty and charm of the various locales in Bulgaria, enhancing the film’s romantic and adventurous spirit. The production design effectively contrasts the characters’ Parisian backgrounds with the exotic and less familiar setting of their holiday destination, adding to the story’s charm.
Themes and Symbolism
“Our Happy Holiday” explores themes of love, compromise, and the unpredictability of new relationships. The film humorously addresses how opposites attract and the inevitable challenges that come with trying to make a relationship work despite differences. The holiday setting serves as a metaphor for the journey of love itself—filled with unexpected turns, laughter, and the need for patience and understanding.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews. While praised for its humor and the chemistry between the leads, some critics felt that it relied too heavily on romantic comedy clichés. On FilmAffinity, the film has a user rating of 5.1 out of 10, reflecting a moderate reception. MUBI users rated it slightly lower, with an average score of 4.9 out of 10. Despite these mixed reviews, the film has been appreciated for its light-hearted take on relationships and the engaging performances of its cast.
Streaming Availability
“Our Happy Holiday,” the film is available on several streaming platforms in the United States:
- Netflix: Available for streaming.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Our Happy Holiday” is a delightful romantic comedy that offers a charming look at the early stages of a relationship set against the backdrop of a spontaneous vacation. With strong performances from Jonathan Cohen and Camille Chamoux and Patrick Cassir’s adept direction, the film provides an enjoyable and heartwarming experience. While it may not break new ground in the romantic comedy genre, it remains a fun and engaging watch for those looking for light-hearted entertainment.
