Racer and the Jailbird (2017) Belgium, France, Netherlands

With fast cars, shootouts and a heartfelt love story, this rollercoaster of a film draws in all kinds of viewers. With 100% of the dialogue in French be prepared to read subtitles. But that doesn’t take away from the entertaining and emotional story of the two main characters and their eventful story that makes up this film.

Racer and the Jailbird revolves around the story of two young lovers who’s overall main goal is just to be with each other despite their different lifestyles. The film is divided into 3 acts, the first focusing on the jailbird Gigi Vanoirbeek played by Matthias Schoenaerts. Gigi is a very likable character who’s kind heart and friendliness seems to cover up some deep internal pain and his overall life of crime. Gigi doesn’t seem to trust anyone but his close group of friends/crime partners but tries to distance himself from his old ways once he meets Bibi.

This brings us to the 2nd act where we focus on Bibi Delhany played by Adele Exarchopoulos. Bibi, unlike Gigi, grew up in a very privileged family where financial security was no issue. Her character is introduced well into her successful racing career. The viewers can’t help but to feel drawn to her innocence which is what Gigi seems to be so attracted to as well. Although Bibi’s life is near perfect, she is not oblivious to the dark lurking truth of Gigi’s crime career. Although she is curious at first she knows that the truth would be too painful so the two lovers avoid the topic until it finally catches up to them in the 3rd act.

The third act is where the drama gets real, most filmmakers would have wrapped up the film by this point and slapped a typical happy ending on it. But not this story. This story has you emotionally wrapped up in the downward spiral of the love story hitting the viewers with one unfortunate event after another. By the end of this emotional 2 hour action/drama I had little hope for a happy ending but appreciated the commitment to the storyline.