La Belle Époque

Victor Drumond is a jaded sixty-something whose marriage has cooled to routine. When a quirky time travel service promises a week back in the life he wants to relive, he signs up hoping to rekindle a long lost spark. The chosen week centers on when he first met the woman who felt like his destiny, and the experience drops him into a vivid past era, complete with period fashion and familiar faces. What begins as a tempting escape quickly tests the gap between memory and reality as Victor weighs what truly matters. The week becomes a personal mirror, prompting him to consider whether the past offers a real path forward. The experience also tests loyalty and the honesty of desire.

La Belle Epoque, released in 2019, is directed by Nicolas Bedos from an original screenplay. The film pairs Daniel Auteuil, Guillaume Canet and Doria Tillier in a comedy drama about memory, romance and second chances. The ensemble is rounded out by Fanny Ardant and Pierre Arditi.

Box Office: It grossed about 13.9 million worldwide against an 11 million budget, a modest but solid return for a French comedy drama. The revenue indicates steady interest from domestic and international audiences, with Daniel Auteuil and Guillaume Canet drawing crowds in both classic theaters and festival frames.

The film drew attention for its stylish retro vibe and the way memory feels tangible on screen. It sparked conversations about aging, longing, and whether a second chance can coexist with the life you already live, anchored by strong performances. It also raises questions about using technology for personal repair and the limits of nostalgia.

Reception & themes: Critics praised the balance of humor and sentiment and the chemistry among the leads. The film treats memory and desire with nuance, while maintaining a light tone that makes midlife romance feel approachable rather than remote.