With the long prestigious history of the Cannes Film Festival, the one slot that many films do not want to find themselves in is the opening film of the festival. History has marked this slot with nothing but mediocrity. With the most common film chosen being a French dramedy releasing in theaters that weekend which will be forgotten the following morning. This year the slot went to La Venus Electrique, or in English, The Electric Venus by Pierre Salvadori. A French romantic comedy about navigating grief, redemption, and love. While still forgettable, The Electric Venus is still endlessly charming none of the less.
Suzanne (Anais Demoustier, The Count of Monte Cristo) is a penniless sideshow performer who pretends to be a clairvoyant for the high paying artist Antoine (Pio Marmai, Yannick). Antoine has spiraled into alcoholism since the death of his wife, Irine (Vilma Pons, Elle) and he believes Suzanne can communicate with Irine through a series of intense hypnosis sessions. However, these sessions begin to become intense and the paychecks increase, Suzanne and Antoine learn more about themselves and each other in unexplained ways.
Based on the premise alone, you know not only the type of film you are getting into but also the film’s narrative direction. Suzanne continues her fake seances with Antoine and he begins getting his life back together as he believes that he is talking with his dead wife. All the while Suzanne is filling her pockets with his cash so she can get out of dodge. Eventually stuff begins to become complicated between them as they learn more about each other, through either a close friend or a secret diary. Narratively it is nothing new nor does the film attempt to subvert this narrative in any shape or form. But just because its narrative is by the books doesn’t mean it takes away from how effortlessly charming this film is.
From top to bottom, The Electric Kiss is a love letter to the arts. From our grief stricken painter to our con-fortune teller, this film puts its focus on the profound healing power of the arts. Told through the lens of a man trying to climb out of alcoholism and a woman climbing out of slavery, The Electric Kiss reveals that there is more to it than meets the eye. Led by Pio Marmai, Anais Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, and Vimala Pons, it is hard not to be swept up by this film’s charm.
Sure, The Electric Kiss runs about 20-minutes too long and you will undoubtedly forget about the film by the following morning. But for what the film is, it is an entertaining 2 hour romantic dramedy that will sweep you off of your feet as it is effortlessly delightful and its near perfect balance between comedy, romance and drama. A perfect opener for the Cannes Film Festival as it cleanses the pallets for all festival goers.
My Rating: B-
The Electric Kiss plays in French theaters this weekend.
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