Two Is a Family

Great Great Great movie.
Big respect for all the single Fathers.

Watched the movie two times and both times I ended up with tears in my eyes (which is quite special if you know me). [spoiler]The sudden change from a funny, nice movie to a dramatic conclusion[/spoiler] was heartbreaking and really unexpected. They were really good in [spoiler]hiding what was actually the entire secret in the movie[/spoiler]. Really loved it, 9 out of 10.

The plot is quite simple, in spite of the "dramatic surprise" that is not resolved until the end. By contrast, you can't help laughing with Samuel (Omar Sy), or crying with the end.

Two Is a Family (Demain tout commence) is a French remake of the Mexican film Instructions Not Included. While it follows a familiar narrative structure, it manages to carve out its own identity largely due to the magnetic performance of Omar Sy. The story revolves around Samuel, a carefree man whose life takes a sudden turn when a former lover leaves a baby girl, Gloria, in his care. The film explores the evolving bond between father and daughter, balancing lighthearted moments with more emotional beats.

From the start, it’s clear that the film is crafted to tug at the audience’s heartstrings. The narrative is packed with sentimental moments that are sure to draw tears from viewers, though this approach may come across as manipulative to some. Director Hugo Gélin attempts to strike a balance between humor and drama, achieving a mix that works in some scenes but feels predictable in others.

The film’s strongest asset is the chemistry between Omar Sy and young actress Gloria Colston. Their interactions feel genuine and heartfelt, bringing warmth to the screen. Sy shines in emotional scenes, making his character endearing despite the somewhat stereotypical portrayal. Meanwhile, Colston’s natural performance avoids the usual pitfalls of child acting, bringing freshness and authenticity to her role.

However, the screenplay leans heavily on clichés and well-trodden tropes. The story follows a clear formula that dictates when the audience should laugh, cry, and feel moved. This calculated approach can make the film feel less spontaneous, leaving little room for genuine surprises.

Visually, Gélin opts for a bright, colorful style that gives the film a modern fairy-tale feel. This aesthetic suits the film’s optimistic tone but also reinforces the criticism that it resembles a long TV commercial. The soundtrack, filled with soft and sentimental tracks, amplifies the emotional moments, though at times it can feel overly obvious in its intentions.

One of the most divisive aspects of the film is its plot twist towards the end. Without giving away spoilers, the twist aims to be shocking and emotionally impactful. However, it may come across as forced or manipulative to some viewers, undermining the authenticity of the story.

In conclusion, Two Is a Family is a heartfelt and accessible film, designed to connect with a wide audience through its touching story and strong performances. Despite its reliance on familiar tropes and its tendency to seek easy emotional responses, it remains an enjoyable and moving experience for those who appreciate family dramas. It’s a film that invites viewers to disconnect from reality for a while and let themselves be carried away by its emotional journey.

While the movie starts of strong, it takes very weird turns that seem to follow each other way too fast. The end result just looses credibility: [spoiler]1. How the mother doesn't know her child has a disease when she wants custody. 2. Gloria has to stay with her dad, or with her mom, but there seems to be no middle ground. 3. How it ends with both parents being there for Gloria on vacation, while after this turn of events, they probably can't stand each other anymore. [/spoiler]
The actors all play their roles marvelously: Omar Sy comes of as a super charming guy, with an enormous amount of optimism, Antoine Bertrand's gay stereotyping is also great and very funny.
But even though the cast is so great, the script is just lacking. That's something the acting can't change.
All in all it's not a bad movie, but it's not up to standards with what I was expecting.

The original movie Instructions Not Included from Mexiko is far bettter than this remake and the ending is more emotional.

Great movie. It talks out of the heard of every father or mom.