Henri

Synopsis

Henri, directed by Yolande Moreau, tells the poignant story of a middle-aged couple, Rene and his wife Rita, who run a café in a small Belgian town. Following Rita's tragic death, Rene feels lost and disoriented. Their world, once bustling and warm, becomes increasingly desolate. As he grapples with his grief, Rene employs a young, mentally disabled woman named Rosette who begins to work at the café. Through Rosette’s innocent yet insightful presence, Rene discovers renewed hope and affection, forming an unlikely bond that slowly breathes life back into the empty café and his heart. 'Henri' is a tender narrative of love, loss, and the healing power of unexpected relationships.

Cast

• 

  Pippo Delbono

  Henri Salvatore

• 

  Jackie Berroyer

  Bibi

• 

  Gwen Berrou

  Laetitia

• Alexis Meigneux

  Gaël

• 

  Miss Ming

  Rosette

• Simon André

  René

Reviews

Henri has received mixed reviews from critics. On IMDb, the movie holds a score of 6.2/10, indicating moderate acclaim. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have praised the film's sincere storytelling and the heartfelt performances by Pippo Delbono and Miss Ming. The Guardian appreciated the 'sensitive handling of delicate themes' and the 'deeply human narratives' present in Moreau's direction. In particular, they lauded Yolande Moreau's approach, noting that she 'draws out remarkably nuanced performances from her cast.' Conversely, Metacritic sourced reviews highlighted some areas of critique, focusing on the film’s pacing. Cineuropa remarked, 'The film’s unhurried pace might test the patience of some viewers, but it undeniably adds to the melancholic atmosphere.' Some criticism also came from Variety, which pointed to a lack of narrative drive in certain segments. Despite these differences, most critics agreed that Henri delivers a compelling character study and showcases Moreau's unique directorial voice.