Michel has a simple life: he’s a 50-year-old digital graphic designer, married to Rachelle, friends with his boss Rémi and father of two children who have left the nest. Passionate about airmail since he was a boy, he collects planes and dreams of flying away, although he never did. Until he stumbles upon a kayak. Obsessed by this method of escape, he decides to buy one and goes on a journey by himself for one week, far from the city. Along the way, he comes across an open air dance hall on the riverbank, where he meets a group of people who live in their own world.

Picture gallery

Bruno Podalydès’ movies are indefinably odd. Both bitter and sweet, charming and hazy, this film takes the audience on a trip that is both trivial and moving, finding its strength in its nutty simplicity. Those who are susceptible to this sort of charm, last seen in 2012’s Adieu Berthe, will find Comme un avion entertaining, mainly thanks to its wonderfully off-beat characters, scenes and dialogue. Another plus is the irresistible comic timing of its actors: the priceless Bruno Podalydès is joined by the fabulous trio made up of Sandrine Kiberlain, Agnès Jaoui and Vimala Pons. In the end though, despite its good intentions intentions, Comme un avion is rather thin, never more than just amusing and pleasant.