On display this Wednesday, May 19, the day cinemas reopen, Fly Me by Christophe Barratier depicts the encounter between the son of a hobby surgeon and a young boy suffering from a serious heart defect. Inspired by a true story, this feel-good film with a convincing cast is at times reminiscent of Untouchables, Eric’s movie Toledano and Olivier Nakache, released ten years ago.
Thomas, son of a renowned surgeon, leads an easy and unbridled life. He spends his father’s money and parties every night. After yet another misbehaviour, his father gives him a mission. History to put a little lead in the head to him. Despite himself, Thomas becomes the carer of Marcus, born with a serious heart defect. Disoriented at first by illness, Thomas will then reveal himself to himself by deciding to make the young boy’s life more beautiful.
The wish list
Immediately, Thomas proposes to Marcus to establish his bucket list (list of his desires). And undertakes to satisfy, one by one, his dearest wishes. Over the days, from material desires, they deviate towards more existential aspirations. And there, the film gains in density. The more the friendship grows between the two heroes, the more Fly Me becomes endearing.
Reminds you of something? Of course, a little Untouchables for those who have seen it. And the peaks of speed behind the wheel of a sports car are not the only moment in the film that evokes the big cinematic cardboard of the last ten years. But, Fly Me unfortunately offers scenes that are a little too artificial, or weighed down by product placement, which are detrimental to its success.
The torments and exaltations of a seriously ill young teenager
Inspired by a true story, already brought to the cinema in 2017 in Germany, Fly Me draws its strength above all from the Thomas-Marcus tandem embodied by Victor Belmondo (Jean-Paul’s grandson), very spontaneous, and Yoann Eloundou, for whom this is the first film. One slips very naturally into the role of this idle young adult. The second expresses very well the torments and exaltations of a seriously ill teenager. The moment Marcus spits his anger in his mother’s face for not “have no life” is undoubtedly the most successful of this dramatic comedy.
Fly Me by Christophe Barratier with Victor Belmondo, Yoann Eloundou, Gérard Lanvin… Duration: 1h31.