The Fairy

The latest from this Belgian-Aussie-French trio of writer-director-performers refines their whimsy into a more rounded story, in which a hotel receptionist (who may be a wish-granting fairy) and a short-sighted barman wreak havoc in Le Havre. It shares with Aki Kaurismäki’s recent film (also set in the French port) a liking of colour saturation, scene-stealing doggies and winsome illegal immigrants. But it dials down the politics, putting physical comedy in the spotlight – recalling the sly wit of Jacques Tati and the knockabout of silent comics. The story cuts corners, so it’s not the masterpiece these filmmakers may yet create – but when they’re on, this is jolly and so cute you’ll sigh.