Watch The Mystery of Henri Pick

The Mystery of Henri Pick is a charming and thought-provoking French comedy-drama released in 2019. Directed by Rémi Bezançon, the film follows the story of a Parisian publishing house that stumbles upon a manuscript they believe is a literary masterpiece. However, they are shocked to learn that the purported author, Henri Pick, was a pizza maker who died two years prior to the book's discovery.

The story is centered around Jean-Michel Rouche, a young editor played by Camille Cottin, determined to unravel the mystery of Henri Pick's sudden rise to fame. Along with her skeptical novelist boyfriend, Rouche travels to Brittany to investigate the mysterious author and his family. There, they come across Pick’s widow and daughter, who run a crab cannery business, and the local bibliophile and archives keeper Jean-Michel Rouche, played by Fabrice Luchini.

As Rouche interviews the townsfolk and delves deeper into the life of Henri Pick, she begins to unravel a web of secrets and lies that threatens to destroy the literary world's fragile egos. In the process, she uncovers the many layers of intrigue and deceit that surround the literary industry and comes to a realization about the authenticity of art.

The film is peopled with an array of quirky characters, each of whom adds their own distinct flavor to the story. From Pick's eccentric daughter to the snobbish literary elite, the characters are richly drawn and superbly acted. Cottin, Luchini, and Alice Isaaz as Pick's daughter are particularly impressive, delivering performances that blend humor and emotion in equal measure.

The movie is beautifully shot, with the vast landscapes of Brittany serving as a breathtaking backdrop for the story. The director makes full use of the locations, with the stunning coastal scenery juxtaposed against the mundane and sometimes dreary settings of the publishing industry.

At its core, The Mystery of Henri Pick is a film about the power of literature to inspire and move people. It's a story about the importance of authenticity, both in art and in life, and the dangers of sacrificing one's own voice for the sake of fame and fortune. The film asks poignant questions about the nature of literary fame and the value of literary prizes, challenging the notion that literary success is only attainable for the privileged few, and reflects an ongoing debate about the importance of dominating cultural institutions that define the success of the artist.

Overall, The Mystery of Henri Pick is a delightful and entertaining film, full of wit, charm, and intrigue. Its unpredictable plot is sure to keep audiences guessing, with a twist and a final reveal that will leave them enlivened and contemplative at the same time. Finally, it’s a film that's perfect for fans of French cinema or anyone who enjoys a good mystery, a good joke and a good thought-provoking reflection on literature as authentic and significant witness of our time.

The Mystery of Henri Pick is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.