Film Review: Blind Date

Opposites attract in Clovis Cornillac’s sweet and sugary Parisian rom-com, Blind Date.

Two unnamed neighbours, played by Clovis Cornillac and Mélanie Bernier, find themselves in the unlikeliest of romantic relationships after the latter moves into her tiny new Parisian apartment. He is a talented inventor who craves silence, whilst she is an aspiring pianist – and together their conflicting interests spark the strangest of romantic entanglements. Separated by a thin expanse of dry wall, the two find themselves getting to know one another intimately, despite never actually meeting.

Cornillac’s film sets itself apart by ensuring that the would-be lovers not only never meet or see one another, but that they also never learn each other’s names. It’s a refreshing and unique approach that gives renewed focus to astute dialogue and character growth. As the duo flirt and fight through the blank dry wall, their warmth and affection for each other exudes both through the partition and out of the screen. From bickering about singing in the shower, to teaching each other how to cook, the effervescent chemistry that the lead duo shares is an incredible feat of smart writing and sharp characterisation.

Cornillac, who shares writing duties as well as directing and starring as the male lead, is brilliant, but the star of the show has to be Bernier, who gives a radiant performance behind her thick-rimmed glasses and tight hair bun.

The Verdict: 8.5/10

The plot may lean on some fairly recognisable tropes (such as awkward cases of mistaken identity), but the rousing finale and hefty emotional payoff makes Blind Date a charming and bubbly time at the movies.

Blind Date is screening at Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema from March 16 as part of the 27th Alliance Francaise French Film Festival. 

This review was originally published over at Hooked on Film, a Perth based website where you can find even more new release movie reviews, features, interviews and insight. Click here to check it out.