Alphonse Review: The French Romance comedy-drama Series is directed by Nicolas Bedos and produced by Alain Goldman. The series stars Jean Dujardin as Alphonse, Charlotte Gainsbourg as Margot, Nicole Garcia as Martha, Louka Meliava as Louis, Francine Bergé as Adele Clement, Pierre Arditi as Jacques Bisson, Olivier Barthélémy as Bruno and others.

The series has 6 episodes with a runtime ranging from 47 to 55 minutes, respectively. The first three episodes were released on Thursday, October 12, and the next three will be revealed on a weekly basis. It has also been released with English, Arabic, Portuguese, and more language subtitles for international audiences. Additionally, English, Portuguese, Hindi, Italiano, Polski, and more dubbed audio will also be available to make it more accessible to a wide variety of viewers.

Alphonse Plot

Derived from an original concept conceived by Jean Dujardin and Nicolas Bedos, Alphonse chronicles the journey of a forty-year-old grappling with both a professional and marital crisis as he endeavours to forge a connection with his estranged father. Unearthing the startling revelation that his father once led a life as a gigolo to make ends meet, Alphonse stumbles upon an unexpected calling. Along his path, he encounters a constellation of women, each more captivating and idiosyncratic than the last, immersing him in a narrative that is simultaneously fraught with danger, boundary-pushing, and infused with moments of heartfelt tenderness.

-Alphonse Series Review Contains mild Spoilers-

Alphonse Review (Episodes 1-3)

The series narrative centres around Alphonse and his father. Alphonse finds himself grappling with a challenging phase in both his personal and professional life. He loses his job as a salesman after misplacing the watches he was meant to sell, and his relationship with his wife is also on shaky ground.

One day, Alphonse reconnects with his father, who has recently suffered a stroke. During their reunion, his father confides in him, revealing that he never intentionally neglected Alphonse; instead, he had been working as a gigolo throughout his entire life. This revelation prompts Alphonse to enter the same profession, viewing it as the only viable means to support himself financially. This decision ultimately leads to a series of adventures involving encounters with older women seeking to fulfil their fantasies.

As the series progresses, Alphonse’s character undergoes a profound transformation, evolving from a man beleaguered by misfortune into a resilient individual navigating uncharted water. His interactions with the women he encounters offer a nuanced portrayal of human connections, showcasing the power of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.

Alphonse’s father, too, emerges as a figure of unexpected depth as his confession unravels layers of vulnerability and regret. Through their shared experiences, a fragile but meaningful bond forms, allowing them both to confront their pasts and forge a path towards redemption. You will surely get to feel the sadness behind the comedy in the show, as every woman character has her own story of why she wants a gigolo in her life and what she is going through.

The series grapples with themes of love, reinvention, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It challenges societal norms and invites viewers to question the boundaries that confine us. The narrative also delves into the intricacies of desire, exploring the nuances of intimate connections and the profound impact they can have on individuals.

The series intricately weaves together scenes that are both chic and provocative. Picture this: an elderly bourgeois woman nonchalantly tossing bundles of notes into a roaring fire, leaving even Serge Gainsbourg looking like a mere choirboy. The filmmaker fearlessly takes us on a journey from subversion to the downright bizarre, painting a vivid picture of an era grappling with the complexities of enjoyment, all against the backdrop of an unwavering dedication to genomics and its perceived righteousness.

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The cinematography is really good at setting up scenes and creating layers of meaning, which makes some parts of the series work really well. However, the writing feels uncomfortable because the series seems to have a negative view of people and a simple, old-fashioned idea of how men and women should relate to each other. Most of the women characters are shown in a way that seems rude and based on stereotypes. Which made me feel unrequired.

Alphonse Prime Video Series: Final Thoughts

Within these three episodes, Alphonse falls short of its potential to connect with the audience, delivering a lacklustre narrative that fails to engage on an emotional level. Even the concept of the series didn’t feel that promising, a disjointed plot and missed opportunities for genuine depth. While Jean Dujardin’s performance is a highlight, it is not enough to salvage the series. If you are someone who likes watching adult comedy shows you can give it a try or else skip it.

Alphonse 2023 are now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

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