Just arrived, this 2020 French comedy is making a name for itself on Netflix

A family comedy brought forward by an explosive duo

Published in March 2020, Grandpa-Sitter presents a simple but effective plot: Camille, a teenager about to graduate from high school, is entrusted to her two completely opposite grandparents. André Morales (Gérard Lanvin) is a retired former gendarme, rigid and a follower of strict rules. In contrast, Teddy Bardolino (Olivier Marchal) is a former nightclub boss, much more relaxed and adept at resourcefulness.

The forced coexistence between these two men with diametrically opposed personalities leads to a series of misunderstandings, arguments and funny moments. Their mission: monitor Camille so that she succeeds in obtaining her high school diploma. But very soon their disagreements and their inability to get along take over, much to the despair of their niece, who often becomes a spectator of their absurd arguments.

The film is mainly based on the dynamic between Gérard Lanvin and Olivier Marchal, two essential figures of French cinema. If Lanvin perfectly embodies the authoritarian and sometimes grumpy grandfather, Marchal, accustomed to darker roles, surprises in a light and comic register. Together they form a fun and captivating duo, creating scenes full of humor and emotion.

Despite a simple plot and sometimes predictable situations, Grandpa Sitter seduced by his energy and accessibility. It is an ideal comedy for fans of family stories, which talks as much about intergenerational bonds as it does about differences in character and values.

Already a hit on Netflix

When it released in theaters in 2020, Grandpa Sitter had attracted almost 300,000 spectatorsa modest result for a comedy brought by famous names. At the time the film received different criticisms: while some praised the humor and the Lanvin-Marchal duo, others criticized the screenplay considering it too classic.

However, since it arrived on Netflix on January 1, 2025, Grandpa Sitter is experiencing a spectacular resurgence of interest. The comedy quickly entered the top 10 most-watched films in France, becoming a popular choice for viewers looking for light entertainment.

Several factors can explain this success: first of all the familiar and accessible tone of the film, which appeals to a wide audience. Furthermore, the notoriety of Gérard Lanvin and Olivier Marchal, two well-known actors of French cinema, plays an important role in attracting spectators. Finally, the simplicity of the story and its universal humor make it an ideal film for a relaxing evening.

The success of Grandpa Sitter It also illustrates how Netflix allows some films to find new audiences, well beyond their first theatrical run. Thanks to the platform, the film reaches a wider audience, attracted by the quality casting and relaxed atmosphere.

Source: Cine Serie

Ray

Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.