Watch Happenstance

Happenstance is a French film from the year 2000, directed by Laurent Firode. It is a romantic comedy-drama that revolves around the theme of fate and chance encounters. The story follows two people, Irene (Audrey Tautou) and Younes (Faudel), who are living entirely different lives, but are connected through a series of coincidences. Irene is a young woman studying literature in Paris and is in a long-term relationship with a man named Luc (Eric Savin). Younes, on the other hand, is a hotel employee struggling to make ends meet.

The movie begins with a chain of events that lead to Irene and Younes crossing paths. It all starts with Irene losing her way while trying to find a bookstore. She asks a passerby for directions, who happens to be Younes. Although they only share a few words, Irene's inquiry leaves a lasting impression on him.

From there on, a sequence of chance happenings brings the two protagonists closer, albeit unknowingly. They both visit a tarot card reader, who tells Irene about an upcoming trip and Younes that he will meet a beautiful woman. Irene’s boyfriend Luc is having an affair and crosses paths with Younes, leading him to believe that Luc is his ex-girlfriend’s new partner.

As the story unfolds, the theme of coincidences becomes more apparent. Irene and Younes keep bumping into each other in various situations, without realizing the connection between them. Each time they meet, it adds a new layer to the story and moves the plot forward.

Throughout the movie, there are themes of loneliness, love, and destiny. Irene is feeling lost and unsure about her relationship with Luc, while Younes is lost in a monotonous routine. Both are searching for something, and their chance encounters with each other bring back a spark of hope.

The movie explores how the smallest of actions can change one's destiny. It shows how every person one crosses paths with can have a significant impact on their life. Irene and Younes' journey in Happenstance shows that sometimes we need to take a chance and let life take its course.

The film's setting plays a vital role in the story. Paris is seen in all its glory, and the beautiful city is captured perfectly. The city itself seems to symbolize the characters' experiences - vast, stimulating, and sometimes overwhelming.

The performances in the movie are captivating, with Audrey Tautou once again showing her range as an actor. She exudes charm and vulnerability as Irene, who is coming to terms with her life's direction. Faudel's portrayal of Younes is equally compelling, and he captures the character's struggle to stay afloat in Paris beautifully. Eric Savin's role as Luc is significant but minimal, and he leaves a lasting impact on the story.

The cinematography of Happenstance is beautiful, with the camera lingering on Paris's beautiful backdrops. The soundtrack of the movie is a mix of French pop and jazz, which keeps the mood light and bubbly.

In conclusion, Happenstance is a delightful movie that will make you believe in the power of fate and coincidence. It is a feel-good romance that explores the beauty of life's randomness. Overall, it's a must-watch if you're looking for something whimsical and charming.