Romantics Anonymous (2011)

Original title Les Emotifs Anonymes

Director Jean-Pierre Améris

A recent surprise hit in France, the delectable comedy Romantics Anonymous tells the story of Angélique Delange (Isabelle Carré, Private Fears in Public Places), an unemployed but gifted chocolate-maker with a lifelong case of uncontrollable shyness that prevents her from properly sharing her confectionary talents. Jean-René Van Den Hugde (Benoît Poelvoorde, Coco Before Chanel) suffers from a similar case of terminal abashment and runs a fledgling chocolate company in desperate need of a new direction. When Jean-René hires Angélique as the new sales associate, the two nervous Nellies must face their deepest fears. With the chocolate business hanging in the balance, they are forced to fess up to their hidden sweet affections for each other.

Co-screenwriters Jean-Pierre Améris and Philippe Blasband have prepared a deliciously witty script filled with rich characters that are packed with honesty and humor. Director Améris teases out the fairy-tale quality of this timid romance while grounding the film's charm and spirit firmly in its lovable and authentic protagonists and their quest for emotional freedom. Carré and Poelvoorde give nuanced and hilarious performances and radiate on-screen chemistry. - Genna Terranova / Tribeca Film Festival 2011