The Mystery of Henri Pick

The Mystery of Henri Pick is a delightful French movie released in 2019, directed by Rémi Bezançon. The film stars accomplished French actors such as Fabrice Luchini, Camille Cottin, and Alice Isaaz and is a captivating journey into a unique form of a detective story.

Fabrice Luchini stars as Jean-Michel Rouche, a celebrated literary critic who works for a television network, and he seems to have an informed opinion on everything. He thrives in sharing his viewpoints with a nationwide audience and covers the literary industry's various facets, whether it's showcasing new books or analyzing the works of iconic writers.

The plot of the film is set in motion when an unpublished manuscript found in the bottom shelf of a small-town library in Brittany is published and promptly becomes a literary sensation. This book, titled ‘The Last Hours of a Love Affair,' is attributed to the late Henri Pick, a local pizza chef. Heretofore, no one ever knew that Pick harbored any literary ambitions, making it all the more puzzling and intriguing. Perhaps even more baffling is that Henri Pick was functionally illiterate, and there's not a shred of proof that he ever displayed a literary bent in his life.

Daphné Despero, played by Alice Isaaz, is the young and idealistic editor who launched the book into its stellar trajectory after discovering it in the Henri Pick Memorial library. This library is an odd, distinctive establishment that collects rejected manuscripts from various authors, making it an ideal place for this perplexing tale's genesis.

Meanwhile, Camille Cottin plays Joséphine Pick, Henri's widowed daughter who, like the rest of the town, remains perpetually bewildered by the posthumous fame his father receives for a vague masterpiece no one knew he'd written.

Jean-Michel Rouche, the prominent literary critic, is besotted by the story enveloping the book and decides to delve into the mystery of its authorship. Doubting the authenticity of the work being attributed to Henri Pick, Rouche embarks on a personal mission to investigate the truth behind the book's origins and Pick's authenticity as the author. His conviction that something is amiss with the manuscript's supposed origins threatens to shake up the stability he enjoys in his professional life, but Rouche's determination to unearth the truth is unwavering. In his quest, he reignites hope and renewed life in Joséphine, who had been coming to terms with the loss of her father.

The movie takes us on a delightful journey as Rouche digs deeper into the mystery, acting as a sleuth in a literary whodunit. Bezançon does a wonderful job directing this mystery tale, layering suspense and humor throughout the film. The screenplay, co-written by Bezançon and Vanessa Portal, is based on David Foenkinos’ novel of the same name.

"The Mystery of Henri Pick" is a charming film that brilliantly blends elements of mystery, comedy, and drama with flashes of romance. It is not just a testament to the power of literature but also a celebration of small-town life, family relationships, and the mystery inherent in human character and potential. Packed with an engaging narrative, compelling performance, thoughtful direction, and beautiful cinematography, the film will leave you contemplating the mystery of creativity, inspiration, and authenticity.

Underlying all of this, however, are more profound reflections about authenticity, identity, creativity, and the nebulous line separating fact from fiction. It also stands as a debatable commentary on the literary world, the magic of authorship, and the power of a good story. Overall, it's a beautiful exploration of life, mystery, and the written word, making it a slice of must-watch French cinema.