A handful of Boston-area arthouses are showing the heartwarming French drama ‘Driving Madeleine,’ and it’s well worth your time.

By Dana Barbuto/Boston Movie News

If you’re in need of a lift, take the heartwarming French drama “Driving Madeleine” for a spin. 

Directed and co-written by Christian Carion, the movie is a sparkling gem, transpiring over a magical day in which a grumpy, middle-aged cabbie ferries a talkative 92-year-old woman from her well-appointed suburban Parisian home to an assisted living facility.  Along the way, they take several detours as the wise and wistful Madeleine (the great French singer and dancer Line Renaud) recounts her life story to Charles (the fine French actor Dany Boon). At first, he barely feigns interest. But as the day evolves into the night, he becomes increasingly engrossed until an unlikely bond forms. Understandable since neither he nor we can resist her sly smile, piercing blue eyes, and incredible tale of strength and perseverance. 

In a brisk 91 minutes, Carion (the Oscar-nominated “Joyeux Noel”) and co-writer Cyril Gely make quick work of setting the story in motion. Begrudgingly, Charlie agrees to drive Madeleine to her childhood home, where she shares stories (set in flashbacks) of her youth, her first kiss, and the American GI she fell in love with.  Charlie, in turn, reveals bits about himself, his family, and their money woes as they move from stop to stop. 

They break to sip coffee on a bench, enjoy ice cream in the park, and dine at a fancy restaurant. In between, she doles out pithy advice: anger ages you; smiles make you younger.

Line Renaud and Danny Boon in a scene from "Driving Madeleine." (Cohen Media Group)
Line Renaud and Danny Boon in a scene from “Driving Madeleine.” (Cohen Media Group)

As an added attraction, Carion makes marvelous use of Paris, incorporating beautiful cityscapes and famous landmarks—the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and an under-repair Notre Dame Cathedral.  Just as thrillingly, he captures the urban energy, making you feel like you’re cruising the beltway, too. 

Best known to American audiences for his roles in Adam Sandler’s “Murder Mystery” flicks, Boon shares an easy chemistry with Renaud, who sold out the Moulin Rouge for four months straight in 1954. They make it easy for the audience to fall in love with Charles and Madeleine.  She’s got a devilish demeanor; he laughs at her jokes.  Both characters are relatable, and their journey becomes a lovely tale of making connections at any age.

The aforementioned flashbacks occasionally feel clunky, as they depict an abusive relationship that threatens both Madeleine and her young son. Alice Isaaz does the heavy lifting as the younger Madeleine, taking a blow or two and inflicting a couple of her own on a monstrous ex-husband (Jeremie Laheurte). 

Madeleine is also revealed to be a protofeminist. That, along with aging issues, adds a nice bit of social commentary.  Eventually, the story takes a wild turn, and spoiling it with more details would be wrong.  The ending is unsurprising, but “Driving Madeleine” is not about the destination. It’s the journey that matters most. And this jaunt is a real charmer.

‘Driving Madeleine’

Rating: Not rated

Cast: Line Renaud, Dany Boon, Alice Isaaz, Jérémie Laheurte, Gwendoline Hamon, Julie Delarme

Director: Christian Carion

Writer:  Christian Carion and Cyril Gely

Running time: 91  minutes

Where to watch: In theaters Jan. 19 at Chatham Orpheum Theater, Waltham Embassy Theater, Maynard Fine Arts Theater,  Landmark Kendall Square, Lexington Venue, Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, and Feb. 2 at Hingham Loring Hall.

Grade: B+