Is ‘Moi qui t’aimais’ Starring Marina Foïs a Hit? Early Reviews on the Signoret-Montand Biopic!

Following last year’s biopic on Charles Aznavour, another giant of French cultural heritage is now being spotlighted on the big screen: the iconic duo of Oscar-winning actress Simone Signoret and popular singer and actor Yves Montand. Post-World War II, they became a symbol of a glamorous couple, celebrated as much for their international careers as for their political activism.

Director Diane Kurys now captures their story with Marina Foïs playing Signoret. Haunted by Montand’s affair with Marilyn Monroe and hurt by subsequent infidelities, Signoret never saw herself as a victim. What they both knew, however, was that they would never part ways.

With 117 ratings and 55 audience reviews, the film “Moi qui t’aimais” currently holds an average audience rating of 3.3 out of 5.

A Legendary Couple Brought to Life by Stellar Performances

Viewers praise Diane Kurys for her delicate handling of a complex subject—the dynamics of a couple in love yet torn apart—as well as her excellent choice of actors who masterfully convey this complexity on screen.

Paul C (5/5): “A marvelous film that immerses us in a not-so-distant but very different era. It explores relationships and love with a flood of emotions and even laughter in the theater. The pairing of Marina Foïs and Roschdy Zem is perfect. The subject was risky, but it’s a flawless execution! Kudos to Diane Kurys!”

Pierre Jeanne (5/5): “An emotionally packed film, with unadorned actors who deliver genuine performances. The complexity of the relationship between the two stars is palpable. A must-watch.”

Jacknappier (5/5): “I’m just out from the first showing at UGC des Halles, overwhelmed. Diane Kurys has made a significant film, supported by immense actors who bring their full range of skills to an audacious biopic, matching what Danny Boyle did with Steve Jobs.”

Far from bland hagiographies, Diane Kurys focuses on the last twelve years of this mythical couple and smartly probes into aging, celebrity, and the intimacy of those who live it. There’s no moralizing gaze, no judgment, but beautiful cinematography by Philippe Rousselot, and especially a portrait of an era where stereotypes about judging women went unchallenged.”

Marina Foïs is heart-wrenching, Roschdy Zem delivers a rare accuracy in a highly challenging role, not to mention Thierry de Peretti, who convincingly plays Reggiani, and the actress portraying Catherine Allegret is outstanding. Bravo again to Diane Kurys and a future César for Marina Foïs in 2026!”

Lucas BMA (4.5/5): “I was completely unfamiliar with Montand-Signoret, and Diane Kurys introduced them to me in a beautiful way. Marina and Roschdy excellently portray their respective characters, but the opening scene of the film reminds us that this biopic remains a film, and it is just a cinematic interpretation of reality.”

Pascale Caron (4.5/5): “I just attended the premiere of ‘Moi qui t’aimais,’ focusing on the last ten years of Simone Signoret and Yves Montand’s life.”

“A highly sensitive film that deeply moved me. The decision to emphasize the actors rather than freeze the characters provides a rare intensity. The beginning, witnessing a superb transformation, is particularly striking.”

“The acting is remarkable, carried with precision and emotion. Congratulations to the entire team.”

Roschdy Zem: A Less Convincing Montand

Some audience members note a disparity in intensity between Marina Foïs’s and Roschdy Zem’s performances, finding Zem slightly less compelling than his co-star. Some also criticize Diane Kurys’s direction as too academic.

Gregory S (3.5/5): “Half convinced by this film, while Marina Foïs is excellent as Signoret, I have reservations about Roschdy Zem, whose accent was irritating throughout. But maybe those who are not familiar with Montand and his voice will not be bothered. The physical resemblance is lacking, but it’s a deliberate choice that isn’t disruptive. The story itself, covering the last ten years of the couple, is interesting, showing a conflicted relationship between stars before the MeToo era. It’s quite watchable, even if it’s very academic.”

Jessie23 (3.5/5): “I’m somewhat divided on this film, which I liked in many respects and choices—the actors are convincing, Marina Foïs and Roschdy Zem manage to embody these two iconic figures with talent—but I found the pace and the director’s message lacking. Diane Kurys seems a bit lost in her subject.”

But overall, it’s quite interesting.”

In Conclusion

Overall, the public appreciates Diane Kurys’s subtle approach to such a legendary yet troubled couple, and the accurate casting choices. While some find Roschdy Zem less convincing than Marina Foïs and critique the direction for being somewhat academic, the majority emphasize the film’s emotional strength and the complexity brilliantly portrayed on screen.