Directed and written by Alexandra Leclère, Mes très chers enfants brings together Josiane Balasko, Didier Bourdon, and Marilou Berry in a comedy focused on parent-child relationships. Released in theaters in December 2021, the film will be rebroadcast during prime time on France 2 on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 9:10 p.m., as part of a lineup dedicated to popular French comedies.
The plot follows Chantal and Christian, a retired couple whose children, Sandrine and Stéphane, have gradually drifted apart. When they announce that they will not be coming for Christmas, Chantal devises a plan: to make them believe that they have won a large sum of money in order to bring the whole family back together. The lie sets off a series of misunderstandings and reveals each character's vulnerabilities when it comes to filial attention.
As the story unfolds, the parents become more and more immersed in their charade, while their children, challenged by this sudden fortune, reevaluate their choices and priorities. The film explores the difficulty of expressing emotional needs within a family setting, while maintaining a light and accessible tone. The issues focus on the fear of being forgotten and the desire to restore balance between generations.
Alexandra Leclère's sixth feature film is a continuation of her work on family and social dynamics, following Garde alternée and Le Grand partage. The project originated from a simple and universal idea of conflict: how to bring together a family that has grown apart over time. The filmmaker reunites with Didier Bourdon and Josiane Balasko, who have already collaborated on several projects, as well as Marilou Berry, who shares more scenes with her mother here. Shot mainly in the Île-de-France region, the film places particular importance on the home setting, designed to reflect the couple's habits and their attachment to an unchanging daily routine. Leclère takes a non-confrontational approach, emphasizing the characters' naivety in order to avoid overly harsh satire.
The overall tone favors bittersweet comedy, focusing on situations rather than caricature. The film is aimed at fans of family stories, French comedies rooted in everyday life, and an intergenerational audience that appreciates sensitive portrayals. The film is reminiscent of certain works of social observation, in the tradition of French ensemble comedies of the 2000s, while maintaining an intimate setting carried by its trio of performers.
Mes très chers enfants
Film | 2021
Theatrical release: December 15, 2021
TV broadcast: France 2on December 14, 2025, at 9:10 p.m.
Comedy | Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes
By Alexandra Leclère | Starring Josiane Balasko, Didier Bourdon, Marilou Berry
Nationality: France
With its empathetic approach and sharp insight into family dynamics, Mes très chers enfants is a comedy built around a close-knit parental duo and situations where lies reveal each character's aspirations and flaws. The film is intended as a tender and amusing chronicle of contemporary family life.
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