It Boy

It’s not every day that a rom-com tackles the ups and downs of age gaps and career ambitions, but 'It Boy' gives it a shot. While the charm is there, the execution sometimes falters.

Alice's Career Crossroads

In 'It Boy', 38-year-old Alice Lantins is on the brink of landing her dream job as the editor-in-chief of Rebelle magazine, but her uptight demeanor is holding her back. Enter Balthazar Apfel, a charming 20-year-old who enters her life and appears to hold the key to her success. As their relationship unfolds, Alice must navigate the complexities of her career, personal life, and the societal perceptions of a romance with someone so much younger. The film attempts a light-hearted exploration of this age gap, wrapped in a comedic premise, yet it sometimes strays into cliché territory. The runtime is brief at 92 minutes, but the story feels stretched in parts.

Chemistry That Lacks Depth

Virginie Efira as Alice brings a certain elegance to her character, effectively embodying a woman torn between professional ambition and personal desire. However, Pierre Niney's Balthazar, while charming, often feels like a one-dimensional foil rather than a fully developed character. Supporting roles, like Gilles Cohen's Vincent, offer some comic relief but lack depth, leaving us wanting more robust interactions that would elevate the narrative. The chemistry between the leads is watchable but never fully reaches the potential that the premise promises, making their journey together feel somewhat superficial.

Stylized but Uneven

Director David Moreau opts for a bright, polished aesthetic that suits the fashion magazine setting, but at times the visuals feel overly stylized, detracting from the story’s emotional core. The pacing is uneven; some scenes drag on longer than necessary while others are hastily wrapped up. The cinematography captures the vibrancy of Paris but often relies too heavily on typical rom-com tropes that feel uninspired. The editing could have benefited from a more careful approach to maintain engagement throughout the film's runtime.

Light Laughter, Some Boredom

Watching 'It Boy' provides a mix of lighthearted fun and occasional frustration. While there are moments that elicit genuine laughs, others feel stale or forced. The film's attempts at deeper emotional beats sometimes fall flat, leading to moments of boredom where the plot lingers without advancing. It’s a feel-good film, but one that struggles to balance its comedic elements with the more serious undertones of its premise, leaving viewers at times longing for a more substantial connection to Alice's journey.