“It Boy”
“It Boy” (20 ans d’écart) is a 2013 French romantic comedy directed by David Moreau. The film follows Alice Lantins (played by Virginie Efira), a successful 38-year-old fashion magazine editor who is dedicated to her career. She is intelligent, ambitious, and determined to become the next editor-in-chief of the magazine Rebelle. However, her boss sees her as too serious and lacking spontaneity.
One day, Alice meets Balthazar Apfel (played by Pierre Niney), a charming and carefree 20-year-old university student. Through a misunderstanding, her colleagues and boss believe she is in a relationship with him. This unexpected development changes their perception of Alice, making her seem more fun and approachable. Realizing that this new image could help her career, Alice decides to play along and pretend to be dating Balthazar.
As Alice and Balthazar spend more time together, their fake relationship starts to turn into something real. Despite their age gap and the differences in their lifestyles, they develop genuine feelings for each other. However, Alice struggles with societal judgments and her own insecurities about dating a much younger man.
The film is a lighthearted and charming romantic comedy that explores themes of love, age, societal expectations, and personal growth. Virginie Efira delivers a compelling performance as a woman torn between her career and her emotions, while Pierre Niney adds charm and humor to the story.
“It Boy” was well-received for its witty script, strong performances, and refreshing take on romance. It highlights the idea that love can be unexpected and that breaking societal norms can sometimes lead to true happiness.
