French Exit (2021)

When an eccentric and self absorbed Manhattan heiress (Michelle Pfeiffer) finds out her money is depleted, she and her son (Lucas Hedges) move to Paris with the remaining funds she has left. Based on the novel by Patrick De Witt (who adapted his book for the screen) and directed by Azazel Jacobs. For most of its running time, this is an engaging quirky black comedy with a touch of the absurd and supernatural (a pet cat is possessed). One can see why Pfeiffer was attracted to the role, it's a terrific part and she gives it everything she's got. While one can admire the way she lives her life on her own terms, she's not a particularly likable character. In fact, there are no likable characters in the film. One can't even like the damn cat! After awhile, it all starts wearing thin and you want to yell at the characters, "Get a bloody grip!". But its vision is unique and the performances excellent with Pfeiffer reminding us what a hell of an actress she can be. But it's an elusive film with nothing for us to grab on to. Still, it should be seen for Pfeiffer's "go to hell" performance. With Valerie Mahaffey, Imogen Poots, Danielle MacDonald and Tracy Letts as the possessed cat.