Directed by Frédéric Forestier, Open Season follows a Parisian family of four who decide to leave the busy city for farm life in a small, rural community. Their new home is absolutely stunning, the community is full of people who treat generosity as a full-time job, and the land is equipped with 20 acres of nature, garden, and animals. They have hit the jackpot.
Unfortunately, they were not given the full story by their jovial yet ambiguous realtor. The land that was promised to just them is also used by the community 5 months out of the year for hunting- and this is not ideal for their peace of mind or their kids, who are both under the age of 10. Adélaide (Camille Lou) and Simon (Hakim Jemili) must do whatever it takes to stop their hunting-loving community from taking over their home.
This movie was cute and very funny. I am not someone who watches many French films but I am starting to fall in love with the comedy side of this genre. French humour is witty and matter-of-fact, almost like a tamer, spiritual sister to the vulgarity that is British humour. The entire cast was fun to watch and I enjoyed watching Simon and Adélaide slowly embrace the towns hunting culture. At first, they are not really trusted by the town people because they are from the city, but their game of cat and mouse really pulls them out of their shells.
Despite its brightness and family-friendly tone, I would not recommend this as a family film because of some of the violence and promotion of guns. But it definitely works as a popcorn film on chill Friday night.
Open Season (Chasee Gardée) is now playing at Cinéfranco.
