Coup de Chance (2023)

After being delayed by the COVID pandemic, Woody Allen takes us on a jaunt through autumnal Paris in Coup de Chance, a tale of forbidden love, sudden windfalls, and the fickle hand of fate. Lou de Laâge shines as Fanny, a woman trapped in a gilded cage, married to a wealthy, domineering tycoon (Melvil Poupaud). Enter Alain (Niels Schneider), a charming, penniless writer who ignites a passionate spark in Fanny’s seemingly dormant heart. A chance lottery ticket, bought on a whim, sets the stage for a whirlwind of intrigue and moral quandaries.

Allen’s signature wit is sprinkled throughout the film, most effective in the early scenes where Fanny’s suffocating marriage is punctured by hilarious exchanges with her neurotic mother (played with scene-stealing verve by Valérie Lemercier). But as the plot tightens and the stakes rise, the laughs simmer down, replaced by a Hitchcockian suspense that’s undeniably gripping.

Here’s the problem: while the premise is enticing, the execution stumbles in spots. The pacing occasionally meanders, leaving us wanting a bit more oomph from the central love affair. And while Allen masterfully builds tension, the resolution feels somewhat tepid, like a souffle that didn’t quite rise.

Despite its shortcomings, Coup de Chance boasts undeniable charm. The camerawork is a love letter to Paris, capturing the city’s golden hues and melancholic beauty. The performances are uniformly excellent, with de Laâge and Poupaud delivering nuanced portrayals of characters caught in a moral maze.

So, should you gamble on Coup de Chance? Well, it’s not a jackpot, but it’s not a dud either. Think of it as a crisp autumn walk—pleasant, thought-provoking, but maybe lacking the fireworks of a summer blockbuster. If you’re a Woody Allen aficionado or enjoy stylish dramas with a touch of suspense, it’s worth a peek. Just don’t expect to win the cinematic lottery.

***

(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)