When the Cat's Away

When the Cat's Away is a captivating French film directed by Cédric Klapisch. This compelling drama-comedy is about a young woman's unexpected adventure set amidst her ordinary life. The movie, which was released in 1996, offers viewers a peek into Parisian life, synthesizing a unique tonal blend of humor and poignant, relatable human experiences.

At the heart of the story is Chloé, a Parisian makeup artist at a fashion studio who lives in the Bastille district. She is written as a classic everywoman, living alone in her apartment with her beloved cat, Gris-Gris. For Chloé, Gris-Gris is not just a pet but a companion and the anchor to her home.

The storyline takes flight when Gris-Gris suddenly goes missing while Chloé takes a short vacation. Upon returning from her holiday, she finds her apartment feels eerily different in the absence of Gris-Gris. In an attempt to find her cat, she ventures out into the city, embarking on an unexpected journey that offers a deeper insight into the community she lives in.

Highlighted in this film are the rapidly changing neighborhoods of Paris. The untouched and old parts of the city are slowly disappearing, making way for modern architecture and a new class of inhabitants. Through this backdrop, Chloé navigates through the capital, reconnecting with old neighbors and meeting new ones.

During the mission to find Gris-Gris, Chloé encounters a broad spectrum of characters from different walks of life: Madame Renée, an old woman who lives in her building and offers to find the cat using her psychic abilities; Djamel, a young man who works at a local hotel and shows interest in Chloé’s mission; and a collective of nocturnal dwellers who populate the city’s streets under the cloak of darkness.

The storyline becomes an exploration of Chloé's life as she gets involved with these characters, offering viewers a look at human connection and solitude within the urban setting. Each encounter makes her realize the extent of her loneliness and desire for companionship that she earlier found in her cat.

When the Cat's Away also acts as a romantic portrayal of Paris. The city, in its changing visage, offers a backdrop that vacillates between melancholic nostalgia and hopeful modernism. As Chloé's search for her cat continues, viewers are taken on a visual tour of the French capital, revealing a profoundly authentic Paris that is far removed from the clichéd glitter and glamour often portrayed on screen.

The characters' dialogues are laced with wit and humor, contributing a light-hearted balance to the movie's otherwise poignant themes. The storyline is further strengthened by the natural and spontaneous performances from the actors, most of whom were not professionals but the actual residents of the Bastille district.

The film gently loops back to its titular premise, using Chloé's missing cat as a metaphor to explore themes of absence and displacement. It peels back the layers in Chloé's life, revealing her insecurities, fears, and longings, using Gris-Gris as a catalyst to initiate change and taking viewers on a journey of self-discovery alongside the protagonist.

Though classified as a drama-comedy, When the Cat's Away is laced with realistic undertones of melancholy and nostalgia while exploring the emotion of loneliness in a busy city. Cédric Klapisch's directorial skills subtly unfurl a heartbreaking and humorous, yet deeply humane story that connects to the viewer's own experiences of love, loss, and longing.

In conclusion, When the Cat's Away assembles a panoramic view of a city in flux and a young woman's voyage of rediscovery. It is an enchanting movie that pairs emotional depth with light-hearted humor. This seldom-seen side of Paris - its vibrant and diverse residents, its burgeoning modernity clashing with the disappearing old-world charm - is depicted through the eyes of a relatable protagonist, turning it into a compelling watch. It is little wonder that the film is remembered as an underrated gem in French cinema.