Watch Macadam Stories

Macadam Stories is a French comedy-drama film released in 2015, directed by Samuel Benchetrit. The movie features a star-studded ensemble cast that includes Isabelle Huppert, Gustave Kervern, and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi. The film is a series of three vignettes that are set in an apartment compound situated on a busy crossroad in Paris.

The first vignette, titled "The Wrong Side," features a socially awkward man named Jean-Pierre (Gustave Kervern) who is a concierge at the apartment complex. Jean-Pierre's life is monotonous, and he has a hard time communicating with his tenants due to his stutter. In contrast, his neighbor, Madame Vieira (Isabelle Huppert), is outgoing and lives her life to the fullest. One day, Jean-Pierre's monotonous life takes an unusual turn when he accidentally loses his dog.

The second vignette, titled "Lost in Paris," centers around the story of a librarian named Fiona (Fiona Gordon) who flies to Paris from Canada to see her Aunt Martha (Emmanuelle Riva). Upon reaching Paris, Fiona realizes that her aunt has disappeared. Fiona starts looking for her aunt and stumbles upon Dom (Dominique Abel), a homeless man who becomes her partner in the search. Together, they explore the city's scenic spots while searching for Fiona's aunt.

The third vignette, titled "The Virtue of Solidarity," brings the three stories together. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi plays a wealthy woman named Anna who suffers from depression and decides to spend her time volunteering at a shelter for the homeless. During her time there, she interacts with a former businessman named Charles (Michael Pitt) who is now homeless. Charles helps Anna to rekindle her interest in life and her search for happiness.

Macadam Stories is a heartfelt and funny movie that appeals to viewers of different ages and backgrounds. The vignettes are set against the backdrop of a busy Parisian street that underscores the stories' themes of loneliness, relationships, and the impact of human interactions. The acting is superb; Isabelle Huppert particularly shines in her portrayal of Madame Vieira, adding humor and grace to the story. Gustave Kervern's character, Jean-Pierre, is also memorable in his performance, particularly in his silent scenes that reveal the loneliness he experiences.

Director Samuel Benchetrit makes effective use of the crowded road that serves as the backdrop for the stories. He masterfully frames the street scenes, such as the passing of a parade, to add depth to the story's themes. The soundtrack of the movie is also impressive, with catchy tunes that complement the story's comical moments.

In conclusion, Macadam Stories is a masterfully crafted film that highlights the beauty in moments of kindness, empathy, and solidarity. It sends a powerful message about the importance of human connections and positive human interactions. The film is fun, heartwarming, and often hilarious - an excellent choice for anyone looking for a feel-good movie that explores the intricacies of human relationships.

Macadam Stories is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.