Cousin Cousine

Cousin Cousine

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1975
Founder	Jean-Charles Tacchella (director), Danièle Thompson (screenplay co-writer)
Products	Romantic comedy film

Cousin Cousine is a 1975 French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Charles Tacchella, featuring performances by Marie-Christine Barrault, Victor Lanoux, Marie-France Pisier, Guy Marchand, and Ginette Garcin. The screenplay, co-written by Tacchella and Danièle Thompson, centers on two cousins-in-law who encounter each other at a wedding, forge a strong friendship, and following the unfaithfulness of their respective spouses, embark on a passionate relationship.

The movie received widespread critical praise and was nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, the César Award for Best Film, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Additionally, it was recognized as one of the Top Five Foreign Films in 1976 by the National Board of Review. An English-language adaptation titled Cousins premiered in 1989.

Plot

Marthe and Ludovic, cousins by marriage, first encounter each other at a family wedding—Marthe being the daughter of the bride and Ludovic the nephew of the groom. After an animated celebration, they find themselves waiting for their absent spouses, Pascal and Karine. Marthe works as a secretary, while Ludovic is a dance instructor with an evolving career path. They bond over dancing together before their partners arrive.

Ludovic later confides in Marthe that her husband is involved with his wife. Pascal reassures Marthe that he has ended all extramarital relationships and that she remains his sole partner, minimizing Karine’s role in the affair. During a family event, Ludovic’s daughter presents wedding photos revealing Pascal and Karine’s infidelities. At this gathering, Marthe’s mother’s new husband passes away. At the funeral, Ludovic’s father expresses sympathy; both have recently lost their spouses. On the journey home, Marthe shares her hobbies such as swimming and singing.

As their connection deepens, Marthe and Ludovic spend time together—meeting for lunch, purchasing swimsuits, and swimming side by side. Their initially platonic relationship grows stronger through shared outings like shopping trips and movie viewings. Pascal and Karine become increasingly jealous; to test boundaries, Marthe and Ludovic stage a meeting at a restaurant involving their families but reaffirm that their bond must remain non-romantic.

At another wedding marked by business tensions and Pascal’s drunken behavior, Marthe and Ludovic leave early to enjoy each other’s company before returning to accompany Pascal home. Meanwhile, Marthe’s mother and Ludovic’s father begin a friendship centered on his vineyard but soon realize they are incompatible. Choosing to prioritize their own desires over family expectations, Marthe and Ludovic decide to move beyond friendship.

They spend an intimate weekend together sharing meals and bathing. Despite Pascal resuming his affairs and Karine’s intermittent relationship with Ludovic, Marthe and Ludovic’s connection continues to grow stronger. During a Christmas celebration at Marthe’s mother’s residence, they withdraw from the festivities to spend the evening alone. The couple leaves together into the night, signaling a new phase in their relationship.

Box office

Cousin Cousine achieved the position of the 35th top-grossing movie in France for the year 1975, attracting 1,161,394 cinema-goers. At Manhattan’s Paris Theater, it surpassed attendance figures that had remained unchallenged for ten years by A Man and a Woman.

Critical response

The film holds a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on five critical reviews, with an average score of 7.8 out of 10.

Roger Ebert from the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three and a half stars, commending the captivating chemistry of the lead actors and its sincere exploration of familial relationships. He emphasized the movie’s portrayal of an uncommon, heartfelt romance that unfolds with nuance and emotional depth.

Vincent Canby of The New York Times characterized the film as "an extraordinarily charming, cleverly detailed comedy" centered around themes of love and family ties. He praised the resilience displayed by the characters and noted the film’s blend of warmth and lightheartedness, highlighting standout performances by the main cast.

Accolades

• 1975 Louis Delluc Prize awarded to Jean-Charles Tacchella Won
• 1976 César Award for Best Supporting Actress earned by Marie-France Pisier Won
• Nominations at the 1976 César Awards included: Best Actor (Victor Lanoux), Best Film (Jean-Charles Tacchella), and Best Screenplay, Dialogue or Adaptation (Jean-Charles Tacchella)
• Jean-Charles Tacchella received the Silver Seashell Award at the 1976 San Sebastián International Film Festival Won
• Recognized among the Top Five Foreign Films by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures in 1976 Won
• At the 1977 Academy Awards, nominations included: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Marie-Christine Barrault), Best Foreign Language Film, and Best Original Screenplay (Jean-Charles Tacchella, Danièle Thompson)
• Received a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1977 Golden Globe Awards
• Won the Best Foreign Film award from the Kansas City Film Critics Circle in 1978

See also

• List of submissions to the 49th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film
• List of French submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film