9 Month Stretch

Ariane Felder is a formidable judge whose rigid ethics shape every ruling and color her professional world. After a shocking pregnancy, she faces a situation that defies the order she cherishes. A paternity test points to Bob Nolan, a man tied to a violent crime who turns up in the same legal orbit, threatening to derail her carefully built routine. Ariane cannot recall the events that led to the pregnancy, so she is left to piece together a past she barely remembers. As private life collides with professional duty, the courtroom becomes ground zero for chaos, laughter, and awkward, revealing moments that test her beliefs without destroying them. The film mixes sharp wit with legal farce in equal measure.

Released in 2013, the comedy was directed by Albert Dupontel, a French filmmaker known for his crisp, character driven humor. Sandrine Kiberlain plays Ariane, with Dupontel also portraying Bob Nolan, and the supporting cast delivering dry, precise punchlines that land.

Critics greeted the film as a witty blend of farce and courtroom satire, balancing smart dialogue with physical humor. It probes power dynamics and gender norms, and it raises questions about memory and accountability within professional roles. The performances by Kiberlain and Dupontel give the material warmth and a biting edge, keeping the tone lively without tipping into cruelty.

The film stands as a solid example of French mainstream comedy mixing romance with legal farce. It nudges viewers to reflect on how professionals balance personal life with public duties, and it frames memory as a playful obstacle rather than a fixed obstacle. Scenes sampling the clash between formality and improvisation linger in audiences' minds.

Box office figures are not provided in the available data, so this paragraph notes release context and reception without numeric revenue. The film opened in theaters in 2013 and drew audiences with its brisk pacing and strong performances, a sharp, memorable French comedy that earns its laughs.