Directed by Anthony Marciano, Play is a bittersweet comedy that captures the evolution of a generation through the film archives of a teenage video enthusiast. This original tale begins in 1993, when Max, played by Max Boublil, receives his first camera at the age of 13. Obsessed with the idea of immortalizing everything, Max documents the defining moments of his life: his first love, his laughter with friends, his successes, his failures and much more.
Thanks to this unique narrative, Play takes viewers on a journey through time, where each decade is reflected in video clips featuring the colors and music emblematic of the era. With Alice Isaaz and Malik Zidi in supporting roles, the film is not just a chronicle of youth; it also explores universal themes such as friendship, love and the quest for self through the ages.
Play will be available on Netflix from February 26, 2025.
Synopsis: In 1993, Max was 13 when he was given his first camera. For the next 25 years, he'd never stop filming. His band of friends, his loves, his successes, his failures. From the 90's to the 2010's, his lens reveals the portrait of an entire generation.
Play will appeal to all those nostalgic for the 90s and 2000s, as well as to those who enjoy intimate, generational stories. With its structure based on personal videos, the film touches viewers through shared memories: VHS tapes, cult songs from the era, or first teenage loves.
This film will appeal to fans of gentle, heartfelt comedies such as Nos jours heureux and La première étoile, as well as to viewers seduced by time-capsule narratives reminiscent of works such as Boyhood. Max Boublil, known for his offbeat sense of humor, delivers a more tender, personal performance here, highlighting the passage to adulthood and the lessons we learn from it.
However, viewers preferring fast-paced comedies or denser plots may find the film a little too contemplative, its charm residing more in its nostalgic details than in a classic narrative.
When it was released in January 2020, Play seduced audiences with its originality and nostalgic tone. The film stands out for its ability to bring several eras to life through ingenious editing and a soundtrack that reflects each decade. Many viewers found themselves drawn to the character of Max, whose outlook on life blends naivety and depth.
Buoyed by heartfelt performances, Play also illustrates how technology - in this case, the camera - can be a privileged witness to our lives. This blend of lightness and melancholy has helped to make the film an endearing and timeless work.
With its original concept and nostalgic tone, Play is a true declaration of love to a generation and its memories. Whether you're a fan of the 90s or simply looking for a heartfelt, moving comedy. Through Max's camera, get ready to relive funny, tender and universal moments that remind us of the importance of capturing life's precious moments.
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