Jim’s Story

The Larrieu brothers’ bittersweet, but mostly bitter, tale of an unusual family, Jim’s Story, is strangely named, because the centre of the tale isn’t Jim – but Aymeric (Karim Leklou).

Based on Pierric Bailey’s novel of the same name, it features schlubby Aymeric – a man who appears oddly attractive to women but ultimately unlucky in love.

He’s dumped by a childhood sweetheart, then a prison term cuts short a promising romance. After serving his time, his wide-eyed nice guy schtick attracts the attention of Flo (Laetitia Dosch), a former co-worker.

Their desire for each other has a complication, however, as Flo is heavily pregnant. Aymeric doesn’t mind, and they form a family unit, in which he is an ideal father. He and Flo bring their son “Jim” up in the idyllic surroundings of France’s Jura region (also the setting for the brilliant Cannes-screened Holy Cow). 

Their seemingly blissful existence is interrupted when Jim’s real father Christophe (Bertrand Belin) arrives. He’s in the midst of a punishing depressive episode brought on by the death of his wife and children in a car accident and now wants a relationship with his son.

Inevitably this creates problems – though Aymeric states that his and Flo’s relationship had already cooled, and they were still together out of love for Jim. It’s unbearably sad, however, as Aymeric has done little wrong but sees the unconventional family he’s built dragged away from him.

Things get worse, as Christophe and Flo decide to move away to Canada for a fresh start – a move that prompts an unbelievable act of cruelty that effectively severs Jim’s relationship with Aymeric.

Jim’s Story should pack an emotional punch – and does in its final few scenes. But there’s a strangeness to it. Aymeric is often so passive, so accepting of his lot – when he has every right to fly into a rage – that the emotions it stirs are more muted.

Later on, Aymeric does admit to himself that he maybe should have fought harder for Jim, but the fact he barely did at all feels slightly artificial; a conceit to create a situation where he is a practically blameless – though responsible by omission – saintly character.

Despite a strong, downbeat performance from Leklou, that does mean the film lacks the pull at the heartstrings it should. However, it is still an enjoyable, if melancholy, wander through the vagaries of human relationships.

Mark Worgan

Jim’s Story does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Cannes Film Festival 2024 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Cannes Film Festival website here.