Simon and Théodore

This French film is a touching examination of madness, love and responsibility that will also make you laugh out loud at times. Simon is about to become a father, but he cannot shake the internal demons that cause him to hurt himself whenever he becomes frustrated.

After being released from the hospital, he feels he must prove to his wife, Rivka, that he can handle the responsibility of raising a child.

Rivka has her own problems. She’s a rabbi and is dealing with a troubled teen named Theodore. He comes from a broken home and thinks his upcoming bar mitzvah will heal his family.

Simon figures he can prove himself to his wife by helping with the troubled teen. These two strangers form an unlikely bond as they embark on a sometimes funny and often moving adventure on the streets of Paris. This wonderfully acted film is challenging and genuine. It raises real questions about mental health and parenting that will leave the audience thinking.

Jason Evans is a local film critic and journalist. He is the co-chair of the AJFF Film Evaluation Committee.