The Lion

In a French hospital where brains are the center of attention and humor often wins the day, a patient pretends to be crazy to dodge the system. A caregiver taking charge of his care begins to doubt whether the man is truly unwell or simply playing a dangerous game with those around him. As the doctor and the patient test each boundary, the everyday routines of the ward turn into a contest of wits. The line between help and manipulation becomes unclear, and what starts as a simple misdirection grows into a watchful comedy about trust, control, and the blur between performance and truth. Behind the laughs the film probes how care can bend under fear of losing control and how vulnerability can sneak into a rigid setting.

Directed by Ludovic Colbeau-Justin, The Lion features Dany Boon and Philippe Katerine, from an original screenplay by Matthieu Le Naour and Alexandre Coquelle and premiered in 2020. It's a light hearted French comedy that leans on misdirection and character chemistry, with playful timing and brisk dialogue.

Box office details for The Lion are not widely publicized, reflecting a modest release and niche appeal in French cinema. The film did not publish notable domestic or worldwide grosses, and it remains mostly discussed among festival circuits or streaming audiences.

There are no major awards reported for The Lion, and it did not rack up prominent nominations. The film fits squarely in the light comedy category without a push for prestige, relying on timing and performances rather than awards recognition. Some viewers may appreciate the warmth that underpins its humor.

Critics note the humor comes from the uneasy switch between care and manipulation, as trust becomes the engine of the story. The performances by Boon and Katerine anchor the film with a playful tension and a soft heart, while the script quietly raises questions about mental health and boundaries.