Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Like a Dirty French Novel’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There was a time, when the grindhouse film ruled the day at the cinema, and it makes sense as to why. For the 50s and 60s were a time in cinematic history, where movies were indeed designed to be wholesome and sanitized for the masses and well, there were so many movies in that cuddly vein that a great deal of filmmakers were eager to reject that saccharine tainted dogma and bring forth movies that looked at the world in a vastly different light. Which in turn gave life to dark and gritty stories that explored all kinds of wild and twisted corners of our world and their popularity spoke volumes to how much the public wanted something different, something more.
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But what is wild about the grindhouse film, is that it eventually faded from the market as quickly as it arrived and its exit from popular media also makes sense. In that, while grindhouse did indeed offer up something wild and new and vastly different than the norm… it often had little substance. Instead, these movies were often a collection of moments or self-encapsulated violent adventures and while we often claim we just want to be entertained, at the movies… the fact of the matter is, we do indeed want something deeper from motion pictures; be it direct or subliminal. Which really does then beg the question, what would grindhouse have looked like, if it featured the commentary and reflection that today’s films do? And it just so happens that writer/director Mike Cuenca, explores that question in his latest feature, Like a Dirty French Novel.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a bevy of unique and dynamic characters in a manner that is quite akin to Pulp Fiction. For all their various chapters and interludes, tie into one another in some form or fashion. Which is a stroke of genius storytelling wise since it places the viewer firmly in familiar territory and it makes one eager to continue this journey. Because once it dawns upon you that this is comfortable and friendly, you want to know how every quirky moment in this movie is going to tie together, and what makes this a genius move, is that it really does allow for one’s guard to drop so that the motion picture can offer up its first real surprise. 

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In that, this is indeed a love letter to the grindhouse films of yesteryear, and in between the quirky and familiar moments are some strange and outlandish and violent concepts. The kind where angry emotions are expressed in the most unique manner possible. Where double crosses and betrayal is the norm and violence reigns supreme and these dark and twisted moments, are true grindhouse through and through. For they genuinely go where stories normally don’t and that really does provide for a unique and visceral viewing experience, one that makes you uncomfortable in a manner that only grindhouse can.
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However, there was mention of the fact that this movie takes the time to make grindhouse relatable and analytical and that’s handled by way of the film’s overall setting. For this particular story takes place in the midst of a pandemic. And by intentionally or unintentionally setting the film during such an event, adds incredible depth to the story and it oddly enough, allows for some of the character's outlandish decisions to make sense. Because some of the frustrations and fury in this plot, mirror what we have felt during the past year, and that really does serve as a fine reminder as to how increased and prolonged stress can make us shells of our former selves and motivate us to do things, we never thought we were capable of, making this movie a surprising reflection of our world at the height of Covid’s reign.

If anything, all of these elements make this quite the fascinating film when all is said and done. Simply because you’ve never seen a movie in this vein and this writer feels quite confident in saying that. Because there is no other movie out there that manages to blend the commentary of modern drama with the violence and wonder of the grindhouse and that definitely makes this motion picture worth your while. So, if you’re interested in seeing something refreshing and new, give Dirty Like a French Novel a chance when it hits your local multiplex or digital on demand. Simply because you cannot go wrong with enjoying an original ride in an era where sequels and reboots, rule the day.  

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