The duo Gustave Kervern and Benoît Delépine are back for their tenth feature film: At the same time. Notably worn by Vincent Macaigne, Jonathan Cohen, India Hair or Jehnny Beth, the film tells how two politicians who oppose everything find themselves glued together. The first is a right-wing mayor (Jonathan Cohen), while the second is a bobo ecologist (Vincent Macaigne).
At the same time: the film fits perfectly into the filmography of its authors
As usual, Gustave Kervern and Benoît Delépine offer a sweet/bitter, offbeat and acerbic film as they have the secret. At the same time fits perfectly into their filmography. The two men once again portray modern society with a critical and absurd look, always very relevant. Here, everyone takes it for his rank: politicians, feminists, the right, the left, ecologists, right-thinking, nihilists… The two men hit everyone with good-natured humor, without ever judging or condemning. They are content to paint a portrait of a society that bites its tail, that can no longer agree, and that continually contradicts itself. 
Through this approach, At the same time is very reminiscent of the recent Clear History. The tone, the characters and the societal criticism are anchored in an obvious continuity with their previous feature film. At the same time also owes a lot to its main duo. Jonathan Cohen and Vincent Macaigne create an exciting chemistry, in roles tailor-made for them. Jonathan Cohen replays the card of Serge the Mytho, with more political inspiration, while offering a discreet parody of Nicolas Sarkozy. Vincent Macaigne is also in his element, in the skin of a character who is stepped on, who recalls, here too, the hidden portrait of François Hollande. In any case, it is difficult not to make this obvious connection.
A double-edged concept
At the same time relies on scathing lines and colorful characters. But the film is mostly based on a simple concept: the two politicians are literally glued to each other. But they are not glued by any place, since Jonathan Cohen's penis is attached to Vincent Macaigne's buttocks. Yes, yes, you read that right. In addition to being an obvious metaphor that seeks to remind us that the right has been fucking the left for decades, the concept is often very funny, but has its limitations. Indeed, the idea of this involuntary rapprochement comes a little early in the story. Inevitably, on the length, it does not always work perfectly. There are some repetitions, and the comic springs are reduced because of this maque of space and movement. It is sometimes almost frustrating not to see the actors express themselves freely, limited by this physical aspect certainly very funny, but which sometimes goes around in circles. Nevertheless, the desire to hook the two politicians in this way offers some hilarious sequences. 
Moreover, Gustave Kervern and Benoît Delépine never fall into excess, gratuitous provocation or bad taste. They manage to handle this idea with class and humor, without falling into immature pee/poop humor. At the same time also shines by its secondary characters, all very successful. Whether it's the trio of eccentric feminists, a François Damiens to die of laughter as an American fake, or these policemen in a total counter-employment, Gustave Kervern and Benoît Delépine offer some unforgettable comic and narrative flashes. On the occasion of the release of At the same time, we had the opportunity to meet Gustave Kervern and Benoît Delépine: https://youtu.be/eMhqNZ3W474
