Summary
Honeymoon Crasher is a French comedy that rehashes familiar tropes with a surprising dose of heart and humor, exploring family bonds in the face of heartbreak, though it remains unoriginal.
If you ever wonder how Netflix can be (sometimes) unoriginal, look no further than the French film Honeymoon Crasher. Its premise is identical to that of the Spanish film Honeymoon with My Mother—both on Netflix, both original movies, but three years apart.
This is not a dig at all. Sometimes, being unoriginal can be better (as Disney has recently proved in recent times), and I do genuinely like this premise.
Honeymoon Crasher follows Lucas (played by Julien Frison), who is about to marry his fiance. On the big day, his fiance is distracted. Her ex is causing a commotion, and due to conflicted feelings, she calls off the wedding and runs off into the sunset with him. It’s a heartbreaker for Lucas, who loses what he presumed to be the love of his life to a Formula 1 Driver – how could he compete?
Amidst his heartbreak, Lucas makes a unique decision. He decides to go on his honeymoon with his mother, Lily (played by Michèle Laroque), to the picturesque island of Mauritius. Unable to get a refund, and with Lily having never had the chance to honeymoon with her husband, Michel (played by Kad Merad), this becomes a special opportunity for mother and son to bond during a turbulent period in their lives.
Honeymoon Crasher, as endearing as it sounds, also delves into the concept of “self-awareness.” After his heartbreak, Lucas begins to understand his own shortcomings in his relationship. Similarly, his mother, Lily, starts to process the years of her hardworking marriage with her husband. This introspective journey is a key aspect of the film.
Both personal nuisances in their lives form a well-intentioned comedy about an awkward mother and son trying to work things out personally. Their relationship has an air of mystery, and I questioned their bond, wondering why there’s an unspoken void in their connection. This unspoken void, a result of their individual struggles and lack of communication, is a key theme in the film. The theme of “healing” is strong.
The comedy isn’t too shabby, either. It’s not laugh out loud, but the director, Nicolas Cuche, adds some slight amusement to the unfolding events. Watching Lucas and Lily pretend to be husband and wife at a resort where every couple has recently married is quite interesting. Watching Lucas’ dismay as he has to accept a quick kiss from his mother is funny because it is horrifying. The scene is played for humor, with Lucas’s discomfort and Lily’s obliviousness providing a comedic moment. I’d want to die if it was me.
Honeymoon Crasher has an edge of romance, but it isn’t important to the story. Lucas is introduced to Maya (played by Margot Bancilhon), who leads the activities at the hotel. She is there to give Lucas confidence in the story; she is a striking new lady in his life who allows him to question where he is at present and what he has lost.
The mother, Lily, meets charming older man Peter (played by Gilbert Melki), who gives Lily perspective on her marriage.
The story’s point is not romance; it’s about honoring family and connections in your life as best as possible and finding what brings you joy. While Honeymoon Crasher is a copycat of the 2002 film and probably many others, it is still delivered well.
