The Student and Mister Henri (2015) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Student and Mister Henri (original title: L’étudiante et Monsieur Henri) is a charming French comedy-drama directed by Ivan Calbérac, known for its delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Released in 2015, the film stars Claude Brasseur as the irascible Monsieur Henri and newcomer Noémie Schmidt as the bright yet troubled student, Constance. The film explores themes of generational conflict, unexpected friendships, and personal growth. This review will delve into the film’s plot, performances, and where you can stream or rent The Student and Mister Henri online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Unlikely Friendship
The Student and Mister Henri tells the story of Monsieur Henri (Claude Brasseur), a grumpy and solitary retiree living in Paris. Henri is content with his life of solitude until his daughter, Cécile (Michele Laroque), decides to move in with him. She’s planning to marry a wealthy but insipid man named Paul (Félix Moati), much to Henri’s disapproval.
To alleviate the financial strain of her upcoming marriage, Cécile arranges for a young student, Constance (Noémie Schmidt), to live with Henri and help around the house. Henri, initially resistant to the idea, grudgingly accepts Constance as his new housemate. The situation quickly becomes complicated as Henri, who is set in his ways and prefers isolation, clashes with the vivacious and idealistic Constance.
Despite their differences, Henri and Constance form an unlikely bond. Henri’s initial disdain for Constance’s youthful optimism gives way to a begrudging respect as he sees her navigate her own struggles and aspirations. The film explores how their relationship evolves from antagonistic to deeply supportive, revealing personal transformations and life lessons for both characters.
Claude Brasseur and Noémie Schmidt: A Dynamic Duo
Claude Brasseur, a veteran French actor, delivers a standout performance as Monsieur Henri. Brasseur expertly captures Henri’s cantankerous nature, bringing a depth of character to a man who is both curmudgeonly and endearing. Henri’s transformation from a grumpy old man to a mentor-like figure is portrayed with nuance, making Brasseur’s performance both compelling and heartwarming.
Noémie Schmidt, in her role as Constance, offers a refreshing contrast with her spirited and earnest portrayal. Schmidt’s Constance is both charming and resilient, providing a sense of warmth and optimism that balances Henri’s gruff exterior. Her performance is a testament to her talent, as she navigates her character’s academic pressures and personal growth with grace and authenticity.
The chemistry between Brasseur and Schmidt is a key strength of the film. Their interactions are both humorous and touching, with their evolving relationship forming the emotional core of the story. The dialogue between Henri and Constance is laced with wit and poignancy, adding layers to their characters and enhancing the film’s overall charm.
Themes: Generational Conflict and Personal Growth
One of the central themes of The Student and Mister Henri is generational conflict. Henri represents an older generation that is skeptical of modern ideals and youthful exuberance, while Constance embodies the hopes and dreams of a younger generation striving to make their mark. The film explores how these differing perspectives can lead to friction but also how they can complement and enrich each other.
Personal growth is another prominent theme. Both Henri and Constance undergo significant transformations over the course of the film. Henri’s initial resistance to Constance’s presence and her idealistic worldview gradually gives way to a deeper understanding and acceptance. Constance, in turn, learns valuable life lessons from Henri, gaining insight into the complexities of life and the importance of resilience and empathy.
The film also touches on themes of family dynamics, particularly the strain that can arise between parents and children when their life choices clash. Cécile’s relationship with Henri and her own personal struggles add depth to the narrative, highlighting how familial bonds can be tested but ultimately strengthened through shared experiences and understanding.
Where to Watch The Student and Mister Henri Online in the U.S.
For those interested in watching The Student and Mister Henri, here are the platforms where you can stream or rent the film online in the U.S.:
1. Subscription-Based Streaming Services
- Hulu: The Student and Mister Henri is available to stream on Hulu. If you have a Hulu subscription, you can watch the film as part of its extensive library, which includes a variety of movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
2. Rental/Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase The Student and Mister Henri on Amazon Prime Video. Renting the film allows you to watch it for a 48-hour period, while purchasing gives you permanent access to stream it whenever you wish.
- Google Play Movies: The film is also available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies. You can stream it on various devices, including Android phones, smart TVs, and web browsers.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Apple users can rent or buy The Student and Mister Henri on Apple TV. This option provides seamless streaming across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- Vudu: Vudu offers The Student and Mister Henri for rent or purchase in high definition. It’s a great choice for those looking for high-quality video and sound.
3. Other Platforms
- YouTube Movies: The Student and Mister Henri is available for rent or purchase on YouTube Movies. You can stream it directly on YouTube, making it accessible on a wide range of devices.
- Redbox On Demand: The film is also offered on Redbox On Demand for rental. You can stream it instantly without needing to pick up a physical copy.
Conclusion
The Student and Mister Henri (2015) is a heartwarming and humorous film that explores the unlikely friendship between an elderly man and a young student. With standout performances from Claude Brasseur and Noémie Schmidt, the film captures the complexities of generational conflict and personal growth.
Director Ivan Calbérac crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and insightful, offering a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to character-driven dramas or enjoy a good comedic touch, The Student and Mister Henri provides an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience.
To watch The Student and Mister Henri online, you can stream it on Hulu or find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube Movies, and Redbox On Demand.
