Review of Samba (2014) by Maksim B — 15 Jan 2016

Samba is a hugely anticipated, but unfortunately somehow disappointing new delivery from the creators of the classic The Intouchables, Olivier Nakache & Eric Toledano. Touching and honest, the movie is an intriguing story which sadly tries to be too many things and finishes up as a loosely plotted, but passable romantic dramedy.

The explored theme of illegal economic immigration (in this case in France) is provoking enough to keep you intrigued as of the first minute. Add up the glimpse of restrained and hidden romance between Charlotte Gainsbourg and Omar Sy and you would have all the prerequisites for an excellent French movie. To the surprise of many, the story of Samba develops in a way which leaves multiple sub-plot lines open and the unfocused story-telling never manages to develop and to finalize them. Nakache & Toledano's delivery is far from being a sharp, thought-provoking social commentary of a serious problem within the French society, while at the same it does not explore the romance Gainsbourg-Sy in a way that could potentially completely touch the audience. The story is darker, less optimistic and certainly less funny than The Intouchables and certainly in terms of pacing its second half is a bit demanding. Nevertheless, the always gentle, gracious and vulnerable performance of Charlotte Gainsbourg as well as the raw, honest and childish presence of Omar Sy blends excellently together in order to prevent the movie from being a total disappointment.

In conclusion, Samba is definitely a lesser delivery than The Intouchables, but this does not mean that it is a bad one. On the contrary it has much to offer, but at the same time it could have been even much better if it was focused on one topic only.