It Boy

It Boy is a delightful French romantic comedy directed by David Moreau that hit the big screen in 2013. The film stars Virginie Efira, Pierre Niney, and Charles Berling.

Virginie Efira, a skilled actress with a rich filmography, shines as Alice Lantins, a 38-year-old ambitious woman. Alice is the editor of a reputed fashion magazine - 'Rebelle' that is her heart and soul. With a sterile personal life due to her ironclad professionalism, Alice strives to prove her worth and face the challenges thrown at her by adversity in an unsupportive workplace. She yearns for her work to be recognized and for the advantages and prestige that come with a promotion within the fashion industry.

However, Alice finds her professional ambitions struggling due to her staid image. Portrayed as a workaholic, her lack of engaging social life becomes a deterrent to her aspired promotion. Alice's determination to ascend the corporate ladder is perceptible, but her superior, played by Charles Berling, sees her as a misfit in the editor-in-chief position due to her conservative image. He believes that she does not fit into the youthful and dynamic image of the fashion magazine they want to portray.

At this juncture enters Balthazar, a charming, carefree 20-year-old played by Pierre Niney. Young Niney, an award-winning actor, wonderfully portrays Balthazar's charisma and youthful spirit. In a humorous twist of fate, Alice loses her phone, and Balthazar finds it. As they meet for Alice to retrieve her lost item, Balthazar gets infatuated with the lovely Alice, leading to a spontaneous and unexpected relationship that blossoms between the two.

This relationship, however, shifts the gears of Alice's life. The age gap, Alice's professional aspirations, and Balthazar's youthfulness elicit humorous and sometimes confusing circumstances. As the relationship unveils, it creates ripples in her professional life as well. Alice's image sees a dramatic transformation amidst the scandalized whispers of her dating a 'toy boy'. Her romance with a much younger man shakes up her office, making her suddenly appealing and ‘on-trend’ to her colleagues. Coincidentally, this newfound approach aligns with the requirements of the progressive image the magazine intends to portray.

In the backdrop of this enchanting narrative, director David Moreau skillfully delineates the intricacies related to age-gap relationships and their perception in society. With a keen eye for satire, he also explores the stigma attached to powerful women displaying open sexual desires.

Through the character of Alice, the movie comments on the sexism inherent in professional spaces. The fact that she is taken seriously and considered for the position of editor-in-chief only after she begins dating a younger man mirrors the biases experienced by women in real-life workplaces.

It Boy melds romance and humor effortlessly while dealing with the more profound issues of societal norms and sexism, making it a must-watch for cinema lovers. The entire cast's performance is exceptional, with Virginie Efira and Pierre Niney sharing a sizzling chemistry that wholly engrosses the audience. Virginie, with her nuanced performance, displays Alice's transformation from an uptight workaholic to a woman enjoying her life to the fullest with flair. At the same time, Pierre Niney nails the carefree, lovable Balthazar with a performance full of energy.

Set in the beautiful cities of France, the glamorous frames of It Boy lend beautifully to the enticing narrative. Be it the artfully lit city lanes or the vibrance of the fashion magazine world, It Boy presents an aesthetically pleasing cinematic experience. Coupled with a lovely soundtrack that perfectly complements the mood of the film, it is a visual and aural treat.

In short, It Boy showcases an entertaining story that wonderfully blends humor, emotional depth, and some delightful performances. If you love rom-coms with a pinch of social commentary or you’re a fan of French cinema, this sprightly, romantic comedy is right up your alley.