Sconosciuti per una notte

A wonderful surprise seeing the premiere of this film. It is funny, witty and sensitive. Acting was outstanding, especially from Lutz. Add to that great music and you spend an enchanting time that gives much space for reflexion.

The whole audience was chuckling and it was clear that the enjoyment level was high.

Karin Viard was perfectly cast for the role which was after all created by her and Lutz.

One imagines that there was quite some improvisation as the two are clearly very comfortable together.

BRIFF has raised the level with the showing of this film and hearing Lutz speak was compelling.

The beginning is absolutely stunning, maybe because from an actual situation lived by Alex Lutz, a scene that he was the witness of in a subway carriage. Actual, real, authentic facts are always more incredible, sometimes boring, and also more horrible than fiction. Of course, after those first four opening minutes, the rest remains rather unlikely. But French, deeply French. Romance, Parisian romance; typical topic for the French film industry. It's not a masterpiece but an agreeable time waster with a Karin Viard as excellent as usual. She is twelve years older than Alex Lutz in life and the difference is invisible on screen. Awesome dialogues and character relationship study.

Previously Alex Lutz created "Guy" which I thought was solid with some good concepts and dialogue. Strangers by Night is a typical romance French story but with some solid moments of good dialogue and direction.

Lutz direction on the dialogue, setting and tone is pretty good as it felt focused. The performances are good, while nothing amazing, they were mainly pretty good on emotions. However, the narrative really isn't special as it was pretty predictable, including a twist that was predictable miles away. Some of the dialogue is a little rough, some pacing could be better, and it's clear Lutz has taken too much influence on Richard Linklater's The Before Trilogy which ends up making it feel stale at the end.

Overall, not bad but it's watchable for one time.