Samba

The A.V. Club by

On the evidence of their worldwide smash "The Intouchables," as well as their latest comedy-drama Samba, writer-directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano specialize in well-intentioned, crowd-pleasing bullshit.

The Hollywood Reporter by Jordan Mintzer

Neither funny enough as an outright comedy nor solid enough as a drama, and certainly not believable as an affaire de coeur.

The Telegraph by Mike McCahill

Sy is such an attentive listener in close-up that you instantly grasp the frazzled Alice’s attraction; if she’s less well defined, Gainsbourg’s nervy intelligence and clenched-jaw resistance to sentimentality hold the interest nevertheless.

Slant Magazine by Nick Prigge

Even as Samba struggles to hold onto his identity, the film becomes entangled in an identity crisis of its own.

The Playlist by Nikola Grozdanovic

It’s a love story set in a contemporary world brimming with immigration issues, but it manages to be neither political drama, nor bubbly romance, somehow getting away with being labeled as a comedy.

The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw

It is refreshing that this story does not simply unravel into miserablism, but the film’s weird narrative leaps are implausible and jarring.

Variety by Peter Debruge

Running a full reel longer than needed, the film’s balance of romance, humor and pathos starts to slip in the final stretch... though the emotional notes ring true.

Time Out London by Trevor Johnston

Both actors are tremendous. Sy adds powerful dramatic shading to his usual irresistible charm, while Gainsbourg hints at a sunnier disposition beneath her volatile nervousness.