Directed and written by Valérie Lemercier, 100% Cachemire brings together Gilles Lellouche and Marina Foïs in a comedy that explores a Parisian couple's journey to adopt a Russian child, amidst their rising social success. Released in theaters in December 2013, the film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting January 6, 2026, where it will join the lineup of contemporary French comedies.
Aleksandra and Cyrille, a couple living a highly structured and privileged lifestyle, seem to have everything—except a child. When seven-year-old Aleksei, a Russian boy, enters their home, their carefully maintained certainties start to wobble. Their efforts to integrate the child, his unpredictable reactions, and the gradual struggle of the couple to adapt to their new reality unravel the carefully constructed facade, revealing what lies beneath the surface.
The story delves into the awkwardness and contradictions of adults convinced they're ready to welcome a child, only to find their limits tested by reality. Alekseï acts as both a mirror to their flaws and a source of comedic tension, highlighting cultural misunderstandings, family conflicts, and the disconnect from the glamorous world they move in.
Valérie Lemercier’s fourth feature film, 100% Cachemire, marks her first solo screenplay after collaborating on Quadrille, Le Derrière, and Palais Royal!. The inspiration for the story comes from a real-life American news story about a mother who uniquely flies her adopted Russian child alone by plane. Lemercier sought to turn this unusual tale into a comedy by setting it within the glamorous world of Parisian fashion, a universe she associates with visual control and image management.
The director draws inspiration from the documentary The September Issue to craft her character’s professional world, even filming at the offices of Elle magazine and including a genuine Jean-Paul Gaultier runway show. The cast selected for the young Samatin Pendev, ultimately cast as Aleksei, highlights the effort to find a child actor who can embody a complex mix of coldness, vulnerability, and kindness — a delicate balance that's challenging to pull off.
In the vein of social comedies that explore family dysfunctions, the film targets viewers who enjoy sharp, ironic portrayals of affluent circles grappling with their own contradictions. The tone shifts between gentle satire and a family portrait, with a filmmaking style that includes long, uninterrupted takes—an intentional choice by Lemercier to maintain a sense of detachment, especially when she's also acting in front of the camera.
100% Cashmere
Film | 2013
Released in theaters: December 11, 2013
Available on Netflix starting January 6, 2026
Comedy | Duration: 1h38
Directed by Valérie Lemercier | Starring Valérie Lemercier, Gilles Lellouche, Marina Foïs
Country: France
Blending social satire, a portrait of evolving parenthood, and a chronicle of a couple caught in their own norms, 100% Cachemire fits comfortably into the tradition of French comedies that explore societal quirks through personal stories. Its release on Netflix brings it new visibility, more than ten years after its initial theatrical debut.
For more options, check out our selection of Netflix highlights for January, our guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top pick: What to watch today in streaming.
