Love is overrated: a romantic comedy starring Hakim Jemili on Canal+

Directed and written by Mourad Winter, Love is Overrated is a charming French rom-com featuring Hakim Jemili and Laura Felpin, with a guest appearance by Benjamin Tranié. Based on the debut novel of the same name by the director himself, the film hit theaters on April 23, 2025, before making its free-to-air debut on Canal+ on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9:10 PM. It was also showcased at the 2025 Alpe d’Huez International Comedy Film Festival, where it received a special mention.

Anis is in his thirties and firmly believes he's incapable of forming lasting romantic connections. Three years after the sudden loss of his best friend Isma, a key figure in his emotional and social life, he leads a stagnant life, dominated by routine and a persistent avoidance of any kind of emotional attachment.

One day, driven by a sudden impulse and a feeling of emptiness, Anis decides to step out of his comfort zone and connect with others. It’s in this moment that he crosses paths with Madeleine, a young woman whose presence gradually challenges his beliefs, exposes his awkwardness, and questions his sometimes rigid view of the world.

Without giving away any plot details, the film tracks Anis’s emotional journey — from awkwardness and resistance to growth — exploring various expressions of love — friendship, family, and romance — and how they shape who we are.

The trailer for Love Is Overrated

Love is Overrated marks Mourad Winter's debut in filmmaking. The comedian and author adapted his own novel, following a significant overhaul of the script to tighten the narrative around the character of Anis. The original, intentionally expansive screenplay was completely reimagined to better suit a cinematic storytelling that focuses on intimacy.

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The filming stands out for its use of Cinemascope, a rare format for a first romantic comedy. The director deliberately chose this widescreen presentation to heighten the emotional impact and amplify the expressiveness of the characters' gazes. This visual choice sets the film apart from typical entries in the genre.

The collaboration between Mourad Winter and Hakim Jemili, whom he has known for over a decade, forms one of the film’s cornerstones. The actor portrays Anis with a blend of restraint, self-deprecating humor, and endearing awkwardness. Opposite him, Laura Felpin crafts a character of Madeleine, envisioned as a natural foil, enriched by a genuine on-screen chemistry rooted in their shared backgrounds in stand-up comedy and stage performance.

With a tone that swings between candid humor and heartfelt sincerity, this film resonates with audiences interested in contemporary stories about relationships, cultural inheritances, and questioning emotional patterns. It follows in the footsteps of recent French comedies that aim to strike a balance between social realism and lightness, similar to films like First Year or Guts and Colors.

Love Is Overrated | Film | 2025
Released in theaters: April 23, 2025
Premiering on Canal+ on January 13, 2026, at 9:10 PM
Romantic comedy | Duration: 1h38
Directed by Mourad Winter | Starring Hakim Jemili, Laura Felpin, Benjamin Tranié
Original title: L’Amour c’est surcoté
Country: France

With his debut film, Mourad Winter delivers a romantic comedy rooted in current times, exploring the contradictions of its lead character and the intricacies of human relationships. A work that blends humor, social observation, and personal journey, now coming to viewers' screens on television.

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