Welcome Abroad review

The nostalgic films of veteran French director Jean Becker often hinge on an unexpected encounter between two seemingly opposed characters.

Here, renowned yet profoundly depressed sixtysomething painter Taillandier (Patrick Chesnais) is stopped by a feisty teenage runaway Marylou (Jeanne Lambert), fleeing from her abusive stepfather.

The story itself offers few surprises, with important life lessons being learnt by both the older man and the adolescent girl.

Yet there’s plenty to savour in Chesnais’ expertly judged performance, while Becker’s warmth towards the gentle pace of life in provincial France is palpable.