Irreplaceable (2016)

Irreplaceable (2016). 1h 42m

“Anyone remember the James Herriot u0026quot;All Creatures Great and Smallu0026quot; novels? This reminded me a little of them as we meet the established and popular u0026quot;Dr. Werneru0026quot; (François Cluzet). He is the only physician amongst his community and they look up to and respect him. When he is diagnosed with cancer, his own doctor and friend, u0026quot;Dr. Norèsu0026quot; (Christophe Odent) suggests he get some help, and so nominates u0026quot;Nathalieu0026quot; (Marianne Denicourt). Sheu0026#39;s partially qualified, was a nurse for ten years and is enthusiastic. Thatu0026#39;s more than can be said for him and for the commit at large. Both are set in their ways. He also tends to believe in his own publicity and initially resents her very presence. What now ensues is all rather predicable, but the effort from Cluzet quite engaging. His character has a son u0026quot;Vincentu0026quot; (Félix Moati) but that relationship isnu0026#39;t especially close and his ageing, widowed, mother (Isabelle Sadoyan) is struggling to stay independent. Itu0026#39;s his job that has become his main raison du0026#39;être and his gradual realisation that things must change, that he must learn to confide in people and that he must focus on his own treatment is well portrayed by an actor who demonstrates these frustrations subtly. Thereu0026#39;s not a great deal of dialogue, just a gentle exercise in coming to terms with your own mortality. Itu0026#39;s also not averse at illustrating just how resistant communities can be to change, too – a self perpetuating cycle that can prove difficult to break. Not great, not particularly memorable, but itu0026#39;s worth a watch for Cluzet.”