Vacation, vacation, who doesn’t love vacation time?
Well, it’s that time of year again for carer of the intellectually disabled, Alice (Alice Belaïdi) to take her group of miracles for their summer trip to the French countryside. Money is tight but neither she nor the other minders do it for the cash, they do it because it’s a bright spark in the lives of those with special needs.
Around the corner, goofball son Paulo (Artus) and his domineering father Lucien (Clovis Cornillac) are doing what they do best, performing an armed robbery of a jewellery store. The pair escape in disguise, only to discover that their getaway car has been towed (serves them right parking in a disabled spot). With the cops closing in, an opportunity for salvation presents itself as Paulo is mistaken for an addition to the vacationing troupe. Now known as “Sylvain” and his educator, “Orpi“, the pair of crooks board the coach with their new friends and must play pretend for a few weeks.
Things are awkward at first, but father and son soon have their preconceptions challenged. In bonding with this group of truly special human beings, there comes growth from both parties. The pair encourage the group to get out of their comfort zones while the thieves are forced to look inward. But things get complicated as Paulo begins to fall for the beautiful Alice, someone who has always understood that there’s a little something extra which makes those with disabilities so special.
French humourist and performer Artus makes his filmmaking debut here by both writing and directing A Little Something Extra (Un p’tit truc en plus), Artus has always been impressed by the creativity and energy of the mentally handicapped. Fuelled by this respect, he pushed against negativity to make a film which pays tribute to the differently abled and those in their lives. Artus’ perseverance paid off greatly, with his first movie topping the box office and becoming the highest grossing French film in over a decade!
A Little Something Extra is a movie which doesn’t stray too far from conventions regarding its story. There is a tried and tested formula for films such as this and Artus is comfortable sticking to it. We know our prejudiced lead characters will grow to respect those with disabilities by the end of the tale and become better people. We’ve seen it before in films like ‘The Ringer’ (2005) and ‘Champions’ (2023) with the largest aberrations being in the absence of certain expected confrontations. These scenes which feel missing largely in the third act and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn were filmed and are just on a cutting room floor somewhere.
However, what Artus does with A Little Something Extra which makes it so special, is he instills a quirkiness which you can’t help but adore. A great choice to open the 2025 Europa Europa Film Festival, as in many ways it felt very unlike what Hollywood is producing today. Time and time again I found myself thinking “This would need to be changed if it were to receive an English language remake”.
The humour of A Little Something Extra is not afraid of being seen as crass or pushing boundaries. There are jokes and scenes which feel like I have not seen in decades! This isn’t to be confused with simply ablest or derogatory jokes for the sake of shock value delivered at the expense of the disabled, rather the gags often come from the special needs characters themselves expressing their own confidence. Sometimes even at the expense of those around them.
There are plenty of times where our heroes are clearly the biggest assholes in the room and that is perfectly fine. Characters are permitted to talk and act like real people even when that seems mean or inappropriate. With nothing held sacred, the film’s mantra of being able to laugh at oneself and each other can be realised. Everyone acts a fool at some point in A Little Something Extra which makes the whole thing an absolute joy to experience.
You can tell the admiration that Artus has for his characters and their challenges in life. A Little Something Extra does have its slower moments where we appreciate just how difficult life can be for the disabled. Paulo and Lucien‘s relationship comes under the spotlight as well, with both actors being given some weighted moments to deal with. While their growth may be predictable and even a bit cliché, that doesn’t take away from just how wonderful it is seeing them go on this journey.
Artus reminds even the most cynical of us what it truly means when the mentally handicapped are referred to as “special”. Deviously funny and incredibly heart-warming, the comedian has made a magnificent debut feature. While not exactly a new premise, A Little Something Extra remains an endearing lighter affair and an easy watch. It’s no wonder A Little Something Extra has been such a hit with audiences and I can’t recommend it enough.
A Little Something Extra (Un p’tit truc en plus) is now screening as part of the 2025 Europa Film Festival which is on until March 12th.
For more information, ticketing and locations, visit:
https://www.europafilmfestival.com.au