New Movies: A Little Something Extra (2024) by Artus

A Little Something Extra – A Heartfelt Comedy of Redemption and Inclusion

A father and son on the run find unexpected refuge and personal growth in a summer camp for young adults with disabilities, leading to a transformative journey filled with humor and humanity. Description:

Directed by French comedian Artus in his feature film debut, A Little Something Extra is a comedy that intertwines humor with poignant themes of acceptance and personal transformation. The film follows a father-son duo of petty criminals who, while evading the police, inadvertently become part of a summer camp for young adults with disabilities. Through their interactions and the challenges they face, the duo undergoes a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30795948/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/global/a-little-something-extra-disabled-actors-box-office-hit-remakes-1236039947/

About movie: https://www.otheranglepictures.com/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/un-ptit-truc-en-plus (France), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/un-ptit-truc-en-plus (Germany)

Detailed Summary

After a botched jewelry store heist, Paulo and his father Lucien, known as "La Fraise," find themselves on the run. Their escape plan hits a snag when their getaway car is towed. Seeking immediate refuge, they stumble upon a group of young adults with disabilities preparing to depart for a summer camp. Mistaken identities lead Paulo to be seen as a new camper and Lucien as his caregiver. Embracing these roles to avoid capture, they join the camp. Initially, their intentions are purely self-serving, but as days pass, the genuine connections they form with the campers and staff challenge their perspectives, leading to unexpected personal growth.

Plot Summary

• Botched Heist and Desperate Escape: Paulo and Lucien's attempted robbery goes awry, forcing them to flee and seek immediate shelter from pursuing authorities.

• Mistaken Identities at the Camp: The duo is mistaken for a camper and his caregiver by a group heading to a summer camp for young adults with disabilities. Seizing the opportunity, they assume these identities to hide from the police.

• Integration into Camp Life: Immersed in camp activities, Paulo and Lucien interact with the campers and staff, leading to humorous situations and unexpected bonds.

• Personal Transformations: Through genuine relationships and experiences at the camp, both father and son confront their past behaviors and begin to change.

• Confrontation and Resolution: As their true identities risk being exposed, Paulo and Lucien must make choices that reflect their transformed selves, leading to a heartfelt conclusion.

Director's Vision

Artus, transitioning from stand-up comedy to filmmaking, envisioned a story that blends humor with meaningful commentary on societal perceptions of disability. By casting actors with disabilities in significant roles, he aimed to portray authenticity and challenge stereotypes. Artus's approach emphasizes that comedy can be a powerful tool to foster understanding and inclusivity.

Themes

• Redemption and Personal Growth: The protagonists' journey from self-serving criminals to empathetic individuals underscores the potential for personal transformation.

• Inclusion and Representation: The film highlights the importance of genuine representation of individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity in storytelling.

• Challenging Stereotypes: By placing characters in unfamiliar situations, the narrative challenges preconceived notions and encourages viewers to reconsider their biases.

• The Power of Community: The supportive environment of the camp serves as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the impact of community and connection.

Key Success Factors

• Authentic Casting: Inclusion of actors with disabilities brings depth and realism to the narrative, enhancing its emotional resonance.

• Balancing Humor and Heart: The film skillfully navigates comedic elements while addressing serious themes, creating a balanced and engaging story.

• Strong Performances: Artus and Clovis Cornillac deliver compelling performances, capturing the nuances of their characters' transformations.

• Positive Reception: The film's approach to sensitive topics with respect and humor has garnered acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

Summary Short

A comedic tale of two fugitives finding unexpected redemption and connection in a summer camp for young adults with disabilities, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and inclusion.

Awards and Nominations

• 2025 César Awards (France):

  • Nominee: Best First Film (Meilleur premier film)

    • Director: Artus

    • Producers: Pierre Forette, Thierry Wong

Critics Reception

Critics have largely praised the film for its balance of humor and humanity. While some point out its use of well-worn comedic tropes, the sincerity of its performances and the emotional depth of its message have earned widespread acclaim. The film has been noted for walking a tightrope — injecting politically incorrect humor while never losing respect for its characters.

The result is a film that doesn't condescend, sentimentalize, or rely on tokenism. Instead, it brings the audience into a world where laughter, vulnerability, and disability co-exist — all while challenging what mainstream audiences consider “normal.”

Reviews

• In The Seats (Canada)Paolo Kagaoan commended the film’s “deceptively simple” story and praised the campers' dynamic portrayals, noting that their personalities deepen the emotional payoff.

• Lilithia Reviews (Australia)Applauded the respectful representation of disabilities, the joy of the ensemble, and the film’s ability to emotionally engage without moralizing.

• Hudson Moura (Academic Critic)Described the film as “a comedy of hearts” that transforms comedic devices into tools for reflection and warmth.

• Something You Said (Australia)Celebrated the film’s “cheeky” tone while admiring its authentic emotional grounding. Called it a “genuinely moving” crowd-pleaser.

• modmove (Australia)Highlighted how the narrative matures over time, noting that what begins as farce evolves into a deeply personal and humane story.

Reviews Summary

Reviewers agree: A Little Something Extra is a film that wins over hearts through laughter. It subverts expectations not by being didactic, but by being sincere — offering characters with depth, laughter with weight, and redemption without clichés. Audiences around the world have responded to its inclusivity, sincerity, and joyful optimism.

Box Office

A Little Something Extra achieved remarkable success in France, becoming one of the highest-grossing French films of 2024. It surpassed 10 million admissions, reflecting its widespread appeal and resonance with audiences.

Production

The film is a collaborative effort involving several production companies, including Ciné Nominé, M6 Films, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, Same Player, Echo Studio, Kabo Films, and BNP Paribas Pictures. Directed by Artus, the film showcases a commitment to authentic storytelling and representation.

Production Companies

• Ciné Nominé (France)

• M6 Films (France)

• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Cinéma (France)

• Same Player (France)

• Echo Studio (France)

• Kabo Films (France)

• BNP Paribas Pictures (France)

Sales Companies

• Other Angle Pictures (France):Managed international sales, promoting the film's reach beyond French-speaking audiences.

Distribution Companies

• Pan Distribution (France):Handled the film's domestic distribution, contributing to its significant box office performance.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Promotes Inclusivity: Offers a narrative that centers on individuals with disabilities, fostering understanding and empathy.

• Engaging Storytelling: Combines humor with heartfelt moments, appealing to a broad audience.

• Strong Performances: Features compelling portrayals that bring depth to the characters and story.

• Positive Social Impact: Encourages conversations about representation and inclusivity in media.

Why You Should Watch This Movie

• Unique Perspective: Provides insight into the lives of individuals with disabilities through a comedic lens.

• Emotional Resonance: Delivers a story that is both entertaining and emotionally impactful.

• Cultural Relevance: Reflects contemporary discussions on inclusivity and representation in film.

• Inspirational Message: Highlights the potential for personal growth and redemption through connection and understanding.

What Movie Trend the Film Is Following

Inclusive Comedy: A Little Something Extra aligns with a growing trend of comedies that prioritize authentic representation and address social issues through humor.

What Big Social Trend the Film Is Following

Advocacy for Disability Representation: The film contributes to the broader movement advocating for accurate and respectful representation of individuals with disabilities in media.

Final Verdict

A Little Something Extra stands out as a poignant and humorous exploration of redemption, inclusion, and the transformative power of community. Artus's directorial debut successfully balances comedy with meaningful commentary, offering a film that is both entertaining and socially significant.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Prioritize Authentic Representation: Engage with communities being portrayed to ensure accurate and respectful storytelling.

• Blend Genres Thoughtfully: Combine humor with serious themes to create engaging and impactful narratives.

• Foster Inclusive Casting: Provide opportunities for actors from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

Recommendations for the Movie Industry

• Support Diverse Voices: Invest in projects that offer fresh perspectives and promote inclusivity.

• Encourage Risk-Taking: Back filmmakers willing to tackle challenging subjects with creativity and sensitivity.

• Promote Accessibility: Ensure films are accessible to a wide audience, including those with disabilities.

Final Conclusion

A Little Something Extra is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging gaps and fostering understanding. Through its blend of humor and heart, the film invites audiences to reflect on the value of inclusivity and the potential for personal growth when we open ourselves to new experiences and perspectives.