Coup de Chance brings romance and uncertainty into an apparently successful Parisian marriage. Woody Allen's French-language drama follows Fanny after a meeting with former classmate Alain makes her reconsider the life she shares with Jean.
Lou de Laâge, Valérie Lemercier, Melvil Poupaud and Niels Schneider give the story nuance. Their performances provide emotional credibility and a freshness within Allen's familiar approach to relationships. The actors have room to make the conflicts feel personal.
Chance, fate and the search for happiness drive the construction. The film moves lightly through those concerns while recognising the instability beneath comfortable appearances. Pointed humour helps make the relationships engaging rather than merely illustrative.
Vittorio Storaro's images are a particular strength. Paris has visual poetry that supports the emotional atmosphere, with locations and careful staging giving the experience an attractive texture. The music contributes to that sense of place and feeling.
Some dialogue is exaggerated, and developments can be predictable. Those are recognisable weaknesses in the approach, but the performances and involving storytelling compensate for them. The film's charm does not depend on every turn being unexpected.
Coup de Chance is a thoughtful drama with a light touch and strong performances. Its view of love and uncertainty remains appealing despite the familiar imperfections. The cast and visual treatment make it worthwhile beyond viewers already interested in the director's work.