With Open Arms

Jean-Etienne Fougerole is a refined liberal novelist who promotes a new book about opening homes to those in need. During a televised debate, his challenger accuses him of preaching charity without practicing it. Cornered, he doubles down and decides to prove the idea by offering a home to the people he claims to champion. That evening a Roma family arrives at his upscale villa in Marnes-la-Coquette, and he feels obliged to take them in. The situation quickly tests his beliefs and stirs tensions in a world built on appearances and social status. Humor comes from social misreads and quirks.

Directed by Philippe de Chauveron and released in 2017, this film is based on an original screenplay by Marc de Chauveron and Guy Laurent. Christian Clavier leads as the author, with Ary Abittan and Elsa Zylberstein among the cast together.

Though played as light comedy the film taps into a familiar cultural debate about hospitality and prejudice. The Roma family entry triggers scenes many viewers found provocative and relatable, as humor exposes how easily stereotypes bend under pressure and how quickly liberal ideals collide with everyday realities. In many circles.

Reception to the satire has been mixed, with some praising the bite and social timing while others felt the jokes relied on familiar tropes. The film probes how liberal values meet real life when privilege is tested by unexpected guests, and it remains accessible through warmth. Audiences ponder mercy, bias.

Box office details are not provided here, so the commercial performance cannot be evaluated in this description. In markets where it did play, audiences responded with moderate enthusiasm and conversations around its social themes. Box office details are still TBD.