“The answering machine”, released this Wednesday, is a good film? Discover an overview of the first criticisms posted by the spectators on Allociné.
And here is the favorite of the public of the Alpe d'Huez Comedy Festival! The answering machine won the coveted public prize from the first comedy festival in France, last January.
Did the answering machine convince his first spectators? The average press is 3.5 out of 5 (out of 26 titles), while Internet users awarded him an almost equal average note, at 4 out of 5, thanks to the 223 people* who have noted it to date (including 103 internet criticisms).
On the poster since June 4, 2025, the film follows Baptiste, imitator of talent, who fails to live from his art. One day, he is approached by Pierre Chozène, a famous but discreet novelist, constantly disturbed by the incessant calls of his publisher, his daughter, his ex-wife … Pierre, who needs calm to write his most ambitious text, then offers Baptiste to become his 'answering machine' by pretending to be on the phone … Little by little, he does not just imitate the writer: he develops his character!
Our meeting with the talented salif cissé
The answering machine is a comedy with chopped writing, with a particular care given to its characters, whether they are first or smaller roles. In particular, he emanates from the character of Baptiste a real sweetness. The nuances brought to its incarnation of another form of masculinity bring a real depth to this story.
The secondary characters also bring a lot of nuance and accuracy. We can see in particular Clara Bretheau (noticed in the almond trees), Manon Clavel (a little brother), or Lou Luttiau (Mektoub My Love Intermezzo), without forgetting Aure Atika. The film is also a reflection on the place that is left to the means of communication and the links that we maintain with those around him.
“”An excellent bright and touching comedy“”
Internet users liked the performances of Salif Cissé and Denis Podalydès. Many spectators are charmed by Salif Cissé for his first headliner. The originality of the scenario is also highlighted.
Raphaël Sevaux (4/5): “I was thinking of going to see a nice little comedy without more, but no! The film is much more sensitive than expected in my mind, humor is not heavy like many other comedies. The actors are excellent and the reflections interesting. I highly recommend it !!!“”
Caro cinema (4.5 / 5): “An excellent bright and touching comedy! We get carried away by history and, when we do not see time passing, is that the magic operates! “
Debo (4/5): ” It's a nice and original film. We don't expect what will happen, it's nice! The actor has a crazy talent for imitations. It's funny. We had a good time.“”
Find all the spectator critics on Allociné
“”A short film that purrs“”
If Internet users generally liked the film, the rare negative comments relate to the staging presented as “uninspired”
Lil Sprite (3/5): “The answering machine is a rather pleasant film, but behind its undeniable qualities, it lacks hard -hitting humor and unfortunately locks itself in a Parisian prism too present in the French productions of the moment.“”
Chloé V (2.5 / 5): “A short film that purrs. Not unpleasant, even sometimes real dazzles but classicism, even the total absence, of the realization, increases the film as and when the film goes. The actors give the max but do not allow the film to change dimension.“”
Hans von K. (2.5 / 5): “The initial idea is original, the actors are good, but the realization lacks rhythm and malice. The scenario becomes stringy after a successful first half hour. It remains entertaining, nothing more. Damage.“”
In summary, Internet users liked the humor and the sweetness of the scenario, the actors and in particular the revelation Salif Cissé, stunning vocally. Some regret a staging that could have been more inspired.
The answering machine is currently in theaters.
* Average noted on Thursday June 4, 2025 from visible notes and criticisms on Allociné
