Populaire

Far more energetic, vibrant and exciting than a subtitled French film about typing in the late ‘50s has any right to be, Populaire is hugely charming and genuinely funny. The story of an ambitious girl (Deborah Francois) who rises to fame after discovering a knack for speed-typing while working for a dapper, perma-smoking businessman (Romain Duris), it’s like a stylish, colourful mix of The Artist and Mad Men. Part romantic comedy, part sports-competition movie, Regis Roinsard’s debut touches on gender roles in the workplace but is more concerned with frothy romance and stylish typewriter training montages. Both Francois and Duris are superb, while some (key word) of the retro fashions are cool. Much more fun than you’re probably expecting.