Directed by Olivier Baroux and written by Nicolas Boukhrief and Éric Besnard, L'Italien is a French comedy released on July 14, 2010. The film, which runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes, stars Kad Merad, Valérie Benguigui, and Roland Giraud, and will be available on Disney+ in 2025. The film tackles the issues of identity and social deception with humor and sensitivity through the portrait of a man torn between two lives.

Dino Fabrizzi, a star salesman at a Maserati dealership in Nice, leads a perfect life. At 42, he is about to become a manager and his partner Hélène wants to get married. But behind this success, Dino hides a secret: he is not Italian, but is actually called Mourad Ben Saoud. As Ramadan approaches, he must honor the promise he made to his sick father and confront the truth about his origins. Between misunderstandings and emotions, his equilibrium is fragile and the mask gradually slips.

Olivier Baroux directs his third feature film after Ce soir, je dors chez toi (2007) and Safari (2009). The script, which was initially darker, was reworked with Kad Merad to strike a balance between comedy and social issues. The director, wanting to address identity without drama, favors a light and benevolent tone. Filming took place in the south of France, mainly in Nice, with a few scenes shot indoors to convey the character's intimacy.

Kad Merad was deeply involved in the role, working meticulously on the religious scenes to ensure their credibility. His rapport with Olivier Baroux, built on twenty years of collaboration, allows for fluid and natural acting. Valérie Benguigui, Philippe Lefebvre, and Roland Giraud round out the cast. The film humorously addresses dual cultural identity and the need to fully embrace one's personal history.

Accessible and human, L'Italien appeals to a wide audience. It combines laughter with reflection on sincerity, tolerance, and transmission. Olivier Baroux's direction favors narrative clarity and a balanced rhythm between emotion and lightness.

L’Italien
Film | 2010
On Disney+ in 2025
Comedy | Running time: 1 hour 42 minutes
By Olivier Baroux | Starring Kad Merad, Valérie Benguigui, Roland Giraud
Nationality: France

A human comedy about truth and double identities, starring Kad Merad and directed by Olivier Baroux.

To go further, check out our selection of new Disney+ releases for November, our guide to streaming releases on all platforms, and today's selection of What to watch today on streaming.