“Les Olympiades, Paris 13e,” also known as “Paris, 13th District,” is a tragicomedy directed by Jacques Audiard, a three-time Cannes award winner known for the gritty crime saga “A Prophet” and the western “The Sisters Brothers.” He also co-wrote the screenplay for “The Professional” with Jean-Paul Belmondo alongside his father, Michel Audiard. The film is an adaptation of three graphic novels by Adrian Tomine, an American of Japanese descent. It reached audiences two years after its Cannes premiere.
The film revolves around three young individuals searching for love in a modern, ethnically diverse metropolis. Emily (Lucy Zhang), a call center employee; Camille (Makita Samba), an ambitious literature teacher; and Nora (NoƩmie Merlant), a 32-year-old woman who decides to study law. They have nothing in common except for residing in the 13th district of Paris, a desire for self-realization, and chance encounters in the chaos of the city.
This is a film about the lives of millennials, comparable to “Euphoria.” The story grabs your attention from the very beginning and keeps you engaged. It embodies many elements of classic French cinema: a romantic narrative, albeit far from conventional romance; a love triangle; Paris as the backdrop; black-and-white cinematography; and beautiful music. In short, it’s an excellent film for a couple’s night out.