- "Farewell Darling" is a humorous French film.
Alain continues to harbor feelings for Diane following three decades of marriage. Following their youngest child's departure, he looks forward to rekindling their relationship. However, Diane spirals into a state of deep depression, losing interest in life and fearing the loneliness at home, leading her to consider ending their union.
As the kids have flown the nest – where do we go now? This scenario sends Diane (Karin Viard) into a midlife identity crisis. Philippe Lefebvre could have titled the film "Goodbye My Love – French Separation" as "Diane's Midlife Crisis," as at the age of 50, she struggles to adjust to the new circumstances. She's unsure of who she is or what she aspires for, both personally and professionally.
Feeling like an afterthought at 50
Diane is a journalist. In the editorial office of her lifestyle magazine, she feels overlooked. She's only given dull assignments, and she's no longer invited to editorial events. When an anonymous bouquet of flowers arrives one day, there's a flurry of gossip in the office about the mysterious sender. Maybe it's her boss?
The thought that people might think she's involved with Stéphane, the much younger intern she once mentored, pleases her. She fuels the rumors further by locking lips with him outside the office and in front of a coworker.
A solo life after 30 years of marriage
Alain unknowingly becomes a witness to Diane's actions. Despite Diane explaining that it was just a ploy to impress her younger colleagues, Alain separates from her. While Diane revels in her newfound freedom, Alain grapples with his new situation. As a respected pianist in a Paris orchestra, he even loses his job due to it.
Both as singles, they seek adventure. Diane with Stéphane, followed by men she meets on dating websites; Alain with one of her friends, then with a 35-year-old physiotherapist with whom he experiences a newfound love.
The film delivers unexpected twists
The original film is titled "New Beginning," or "Nouveau Départ," as the narrative is filled with unexpected twists. Even the most absurd situations unfold, such as when Diane, after a failed S&M session with a police officer she met online, calls Alain for help, half-naked and handcuffed.
The film's strength lies in the acting duo of Viard ("The Bélier Family") and Dubosc ("The Rumba Therapy"). Despite the second film by Lefebvre ("The Whistler"), who is also an actor and screenwriter, there's never a dull moment in "Goodbye My Love – French Separation." He expertly explores the common "empty nest syndrome" with a fresh and entertaining comedic touch.
Diane's separation from Alain leaves her with a sense of liberation, but she struggles to navigate her new solo life. The freedom comes with its challenges, as she grapples with feeling like an afterthought in her career and seeks companionship through various means. On the other hand, Alain finds himself in unfamiliar territory, dealing with the consequences of their separation and experiencing a separation from his professional life as well.
