Synopsis
Vincent, a wealthy real estate agent, is invited to dinner by his sister Elizabeth and her husband Peter, both professors in Paris. Claude, a childhood friend and trombonist in a symphony orchestra, is also present. Vincent brings news from the prenatal examination of his and his wife Anna's unborn son. The name chosen by the soon-to-be parents strongly offends the others for many reasons. The dispute between the guests quickly escalates and before long the resurgence of old grudges and hidden secrets is unavoidable ...
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Cast
- Patrick BruelVincent
- Valérie BenguiguiÉlisabeth
- Charles BerlingPierre
- Guillaume de TonquédecClaude
- Judith El ZeinAnna
- Françoise FabianFrançoise
- Yaniss LespertLivreur pizza
- Miren PradierInfirmière bracelet
- Alexis LepriséApollin
- Juliette LevantMyrtille
Recommendations
- 80
The New York Times
In their intensity, the actors’ incisive, impeccably coordinated performances are pitched slightly above normal conversation but not so much that “What’s in a Name?” shatters credibility. - 70
Village Voice
The French chamber dramedy What's in a Name is frequently delightful, full of ribald humor and compelling, intelligent debate. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Adapting their highly successful stage version to the screen with keen comic-timing but much less cinematic panache, Mathieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patelliere offer up a lively take on love, friendship and baby-naming. - 70
Variety
The directors have brought onboard the entire original cast. This makes their job much easier, as countless performances have perfected the timing and tone of each single line. - 60
New York Daily News
What’s most surprising is that this talky dramedy was a massive smash at home in France, outearning blockbusters like “The Avengers.” - 50
The Dissolve
Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte’s comedy (based on Delaporte’s play) comes across as a poor man’s Carnage, with bitter resentments and cruel assumptions erupting from beneath its characters’ seemingly cheery, jovial façades.
