French Exit

In the whimsical yet poignant film French Exit, released in 2020, we follow the unconventional journey of Frances Price, a once-wealthy New York socialite played by Michelle Pfeiffer. With her husband long deceased and her fortune dwindling to nothing, Frances decides to take the plunge into anonymity—trading her lavish, yet superficial life for a more modest existence in Paris. Accompanied by her aimless son Malcolm, portrayed by Lucas Hedges, and their enigmatic cat Small Frank, who may just house the spirit of her late husband, Frances embarks on a darkly comedic quest to find meaning in the twilight of her years.

The film navigates themes of existentialism, the weight of familial bonds, and the struggle against societal norms. Frances, with her sharp wit and unapologetic demeanor, challenges the concept of identity and legacy, all while grappling with her own impending mortality. The interplay between her and Malcolm reveals a dynamic fraught with both love and resentment, encapsulating the complexities of mother-son relationships. French Exit masterfully balances humor and melancholy, inviting audiences to reflect on the absurdities of life while serving up a uniquely stylish narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. With its rich character development and a distinctly European flair, this dramedy is a captivating exploration of what it truly means to live—especially when the money runs out.