Watch 2 Alone in Paris

2 Alone in Paris (French title: Seuls Two) is a 2008 French comedy film co-directed by Ramzy Bedia and Éric Judor, who are also the lead actors. This film marked the directorial debut for the comedic duo, known collectively as Éric et Ramzy, and was written in collaboration with Lionel Dutemple, Julien Hervé, and Philippe Mechelen.

Set against the backdrop of the picturesque city of Paris, the movie starts off by introducing us to Gervais, a clumsy and rather inept police officer portrayed by Eric Judor. Gervais is perpetually downtrodden by his inability to catch Curtis, played by Ramzy Bedia, who happens to be the one criminal he's been tirelessly pursuing. Curtis is a slick and elusive graffiti artist, who has been painting the town in his unique style, and always manages to stay one step ahead of the authorities, especially the bumbling Gervais. Despite his repeated failures, Gervais is unwavering in his mission to catch Curtis and prove himself to his colleagues and superiors.

One morning, after an especially embarrassing encounter during which Gervais is outwitted by Curtis once again, something extraordinary happens – both Gervais and Curtis discover that the streets of Paris are completely deserted. The entirety of its inhabitants have vanished without a trace, leaving the city eerily quiet and entirely at the disposal of these two characters. The movie cleverly plays with the idea of a dream coming true in the most unexpected of ways – an entire city at the disposal of just two individuals, without any rules or society to constrain them.

Forced to deal with the fact that they are the only people left in Paris, Gervais and Curtis find themselves in a bizarre scenario. The dynamic shifts from cat-and-mouse chase to a surreal partnership. As they explore the vacant city, both Gervais and Curtis embark on a series of outlandish adventures, discovering the empty city's hidden treasures and delights without a soul in sight. They take advantage of the uninhabited metropolis to live out their wildest fantasies, playing outlandish games, enjoying the city’s attractions, and indulging themselves in ways they never thought possible.

However, the solitude and freedom soon give way to peculiar challenges. As the novelty wears off, the two men are faced with the unexpected consequences of their newfound isolation. The story delves into how they cope with loneliness, the need for human interaction, and the psychological impact of their bizarre predicament. The once adversarial characters must now navigate their differences and find a way to coexist in a city built for millions but now inhabited only by them.

What sets 2 Alone in Paris apart from other comedies is its imaginative setting that plays out like a whimsical tableau. Filled with slapstick humor, the film relies heavily on the comedic chemistry between Judor and Bedia, and their performances are central to the laughter and charm of the movie. Though the genre is a light-hearted farce, it is also imbued with moments of introspection and a subtle commentary on society and the human condition when stripped of its most basic element – other people.

In this deserted Paris, the film also becomes a visual love letter to the city itself, showcasing iconic landmarks and beautiful vistas without the bustling crowds. The viewers are treated to scenes of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Seine River and other Parisian marvels, allowing the audience to experience Paris in a way that is rarely seen. The filmmakers expertly use the setting to create a narrative that is both expansive yet intensely personal, as our two lone characters have the run of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Ultimately, 2 Alone in Paris is a whimsical urban fantasy that combines broad physical comedy with a scenario that is equal parts ludicrous and intriguing. Éric et Ramzy's foray into directing brings their hallmark humor to the big screen in a way that showcases their unique comic timing and penchant for absurdist humor. The film juxtaposes the grandeur of an abandoned Paris with the comical, sometimes touching, behavior of two men coming to terms with a bizarre reality, ultimately providing audiences with a cavalcade of laughs, visual treats, and thoughtful musings on the nature of society and solitude.