The Jews

Yvan, a filmmaker and one of several central figures, links four short stories that each play with common ideas about Jewish identity. One story looks at alleged influence in politics, another sends up the stereotype of Jews as shrewd merchants, a third riffs on espionage through a Mossad plotline, and the fourth wrestles with how the Holocaust is remembered. The film treats these subjects with comic sketches that edge into satire, asking whether humor can address loaded history and clichés without trivializing pain. It keeps the episodes distinct, letting actors shift tone from absurd to awkward. The ensemble includes familiar French performers whose presence changes the rhythm and keeps the mood unsettled. Scenes trade on discomfort as well as laughs.

Released in 2016, the film was directed by Yvan Attal and developed from material by writer Émilie Frèche. The cast includes Attal, Benoît Poelvoorde, Valérie Bonneton, Dany Boon and Charlotte Gainsbourg, presented as an anthology comedy with varied tones.

It did not attract major awards attention, and there were no widely reported Oscar, BAFTA, or major festival wins. The film's recognition was limited to reviews and festival screenings rather than prize ceremonies. Instead, attention centered on reviews and public debate more than prizes.

By treating delicate subjects in a comic register, the film prompted conversation about where satire belongs when it touches on identity and historical trauma. Some viewers appreciated the provocation while others thought the jokes crossed lines, and it generated discussion in French cultural coverage and online forums and TV commentary.

Critics and viewers were divided, with a low average user score reflecting mixed to negative reactions. The film holds a 4.287/10 user average from 197 votes. It tackles themes of stereotype, memory, conspiracy and influence, aiming to unsettle as much as it amuses, though many felt the balance didn't work.