Marie-Francine, a comedy written, directed and starring Valérie Lemercier, will be available on Netflix from July 23, 2025. Released in theaters in 2017, this French film follows a 50-year-old woman forced to move back in with her parents after being left by her husband and fired from her job. Part generational shock, part sentimental reboot and part self-mockery, this bittersweet comedy tackles the themes of family, rebuilding and newfound freedom.
The trailer reveals an engaging heroine in the midst of a life transition, torn between her overbearing parents and a new, unexpected encounter.
Marie-Francine will be available on Netflix from July 23, 2025.
Synopsis: Too old for her husband, too much at work, Marie-Francine has to move back in with her parents... at the age of 50! Infantilized by her parents, she finally meets Miguel in the small electronic cigarette store they run. Miguel, without daring to admit it, is in exactly the same situation as her. The question is, how will these two shelter their new love without a home?
With humor and tenderness,Marie-Francine deals with a moment that is often under-represented in romantic comedies: the return to square one in adulthood. At the age of 50, the protagonist sees her marriage collapse, loses her job, and has to return to life with her parents. The film questions the notion of a second chance, highlighting the difficulty of bouncing back without denying who you are.
The heart of the film lies in the comic discrepancy between an adult who is treated like a child and well-meaning but stifling parents. The humor lies in the dialogue, the absurd situations and the complicity between the generations. This family portrait also offers a gentle reflection on the role of each member of the family unit, and on the limits of invasive parental love.
In her unlikely electronic cigarette store, Marie-Francine meets Miguel, played by Patrick Timsit. Their budding romance, discreet and slightly awkward, functions as a breath of fresh air in the midst of a constrained daily routine. Both losing their bearings, they recognize and support each other, in a belated romance that defies the usual codes of romantic comedy.
This film will appeal as much to adults looking for a gentle, realistic tale as to younger viewers interested in family relationships and mid-career soul-searching. It is reminiscent of works such as Retour chez ma mère, Deux moi and La tête en friche, which combine humor, melancholy and humanity. Its modest, accessible tone makes it ideal for a simple evening out.
Marie-Francine is a French comedy directed by Valérie Lemercier, released in 2017. The actress plays a 50-year-old woman forced to move back in with her parents, where she tries to rebuild her life and rediscover love. Part gentle comedy, part social portrait and part affectionate humor, the film offers an original look at the transitions of adult life. Available on Netflix from July 23, 2025.
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