FULL PHIL

(director/writer: Quentin Dupieux; cinematographer: Quentin Dupieux; editor: Quentin Dupieux; music: Siriusmo; cast: Woody Harrelson (Philip Doom), Kristen Stewart (Madeleine Doom), Charlotte Le Bon (Lucie), Emma Mackey (La fille du marais), Tom Heidecker (Chad), Eric Wareheim (Andy); Runtime: 70; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Hugo Sélignac; Arte;mis; 2026)

“Unconventional comedy.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
 
Eccentric French filmmaker Quentin Dupieux (“Deerskin”/”Rubber”) makes his usual absurdist unconventional comedy that appeals to his fans but might not to others. The filmmaker tries to make it like a surreal Buñuel film, but can’t match the master’s sharp wit.

The wealthy neurotic 60-year-old American industrialist Philip Doom (Woody Harrelson) goes on vacation to Paris to try and reconnect with his bratty 32-year-old daughter Madeleine (Kristen Stewart). But a meddlesome hotel worker Lucy (Charlotte Le Bon), an always eating Madeleine, and the watching of a 1950s creature film by father and daughter interfere with any reunion plans.

The jokey but slight film has a few gags that connect. But its mostly tedious, especially when  it turns away from the goofy stay in Paris portion and becomes a film-within-a-film. 

It played at Cannes Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 5/23/2026  GRADE: B-
dennisschwartzreviews.com