Number One Fan (2014) User Reviews

Sandrine Kiberlain is excellent in her role

[sugarfreepeppermint · 6/10 · 23 March 2015]

This film is a crime thriller and at the same time an unusual love story about a narcissistic pop star and an unconditional fan worshipping the ground he walks on. Both the female lead, Sandrine Kiberlain, and the male lead, Larent Lafitte, act excellently.

A large part of the story focuses on the police trying to figure out, who has done the crime, taking away time from the part of the film that is most interesting, the dynamic between the fan and pop star. A second plot, a troublesome relationship between two cops, is much less interesting, and it takes the focus away from the main plot and the two leads.

Nevertheless, it's an altogether entertaining film, but not exactly at the edge of your seat thrilling either.

French Drama thriller with a great central performance

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 8/10 · 26 April 2015]

Muriel is a divorced beautician who won't let the truth get in the way of a good story. She is also a super fan of French singer Vincent Lacroix whom she idolises. Then out of the blue he turns up on her doorstep and asks her for help - unconditionally - and does not even tell her what he is really asking her to do.

What follows will have repercussions for them both and even further afield. Now to say any more runs the risk of spoiling the brilliant plot reveals and there are a fair few here to enjoy. Sandrine Kimberlain as Muriel is totally convincing but she is supported by a cast that all know their craft.

This is an assured production and even the incidental music is excellent. There is a bit of humour here too as well as a few bucket loads of suspense. The sub titles could have been better translated but that is not a die in the ditch issue. This is one for those who love their European cinema with a Gallic twist - recommended.

pleasantly unpredictable

[myriamlenys · 8/10 · 28 April 2020]

The relationship between a male pop star and his live-in lover is far from smooth. During one of their many quarrels, tragedy strikes : the woman is killed, more as a result of an accident than of a deliberate intent to harm. Still, her death is going to be hard to explain, both to the police and to the great ballad-loving public of France. With grim determination, the pop star seeks out the help of his number-one fan...

In "Elle l'adore" two original and well-drawn protagonists meet and interact : one a pop star with a keen instinct for survival, the other one a devoted fan tricked into saving the pop star's bacon. The fan, a modest beautician, is in a certain sense a second victim. However, it turns out that she's not entirely helpless, since a lifetime of telling tall tales has honed her lying skills to perfection... The movie mixes psychological drama, thriller and comedy. It does so very well. It is a well-directed and well-acted movie with a clever screenplay full of unexpected twists and turns : as a viewer, you really, truly don't know what's going to happen next.

Do watch the scenes where our beautician protagonist is being interrogated by the police : they're marvellously acted, and a masterclass in dark comedy.

"Elle l'adore" also has some interesting things to say about the pop star / fan dynamic. Which one of the two is the most needy, the most greedy, the most deluded ?

Warmly recommended to viewers who appreciate the more intelligent thriller.

She adores him and I adore that

[searchanddestroy-1 · 29 September 2014]

What a tremendous thriller drama speaking of a female fan - Sandrine Kiberlain- fan of a very known popular singer. She is his number one fan, she is literally mad of him. But one night, everything collapses for the star; ha accidentally kills his girl friend and asks his fan to get rid of the corpse...

And at this very moment, this story grabs you. The audience is trapped as in a spider's web. A real suspense without any criminal element; don't forget it's an accident which provoked the gal death.

This underrated film is astounding regarding the scheme, editing, acting. And I also adore the subplot involving the two cops: the male cop and his mate female cop too. Very unusual and I LOVE that.

Go, run to see this movie.

Good fun!

[imseeg · 8/10 · 30 October 2021]

The good: terrific actors acting at the top of their comical talents, the best France has to offer.

More good: this story is hilarious.

Any bad? Well, it's quite silly, but I knew that when I started watching it. Comedies need to be a bit silly in order not to be boring.