Russian Dolls

This enjoyable follow-up to Pot Luck (also screening on Cinémoi) sees Xavier (Romain Duris) back from his Catalan adventures as new experiences await him in London, Paris and St. Petersburg. Cédric Klapisch maintains the cosmopolitan spirit of Pot Luck but with a more adult edge.
Xavier is still at a crossroads with a lackluster freelance writing career and love life. However, as he is now approaching his 30th birthday, the stakes suddenly seem much higher, particularly when held in contrast with the progress of his friends from the Barcelona days and ex-girlfriend Martine (Audrey Tautou). We are also introduced to new characters, such as Xavier’s love interests played by Aissa Maiga and Lucy Gordon (Serge Gainsbourg, vie héroïque).
This was France highest opening film when it was released in 2005, and its popularity can be attributed to Duris’ natural charismatic style and Klapisch’s ability to present a real human comedy with charm and authenticity.