The Valet (2022)

The Valet (2022)

 

6/10

Starring

Eugenio Derbez

Samara Weaving

 

Directed by Richard Wong

 

This movie does something I was not expecting in the end. Movies like this are very predictable and so there is no chance for there to be a shocker, but the ending to me was something cool, a little shy off the path of what movies like this do.

I liked it and to be honest more than I expected to. The Valet is a remake of a French film of the same name, and I have not seen that one, so I do not know how it compares. This movie for me sails smoothly because of the two lead casts and the whole idea of not trying to force an unrealistic romantic pairing. The two had their lives and were forced to work together to cover up a scandal.

The movie plot is easy to follow, and it made a good decision of focusing on the same story and not having any other side distractions take control for a moment.

The plot is about a famous actress Olivia (Samara Weaving) having an affair with a billionaire real estate developer, Vincent. Their affair has them living in the shadows to keep it a secret from Vincent’s wife, Kathryn. Olivia is unhappy with the relationship feeling guilty of the whole thing, but Vincent is happy to just carry on. After an argument that had him chase her into the street from the hotel they were staying for the night, a valet Antonio (Eugenio Derbez) runs into them while riding on his bicycle. He falls off and hit a car with his bicycle. Pictures were taken of the three and Kathryn suspected that Vincent is having an affair with Olivia. Vincent lied that he was just an innocent bystander when the couple Olivia and Antonio ran into him. Antonio is an older man, old enough to be Olivia’s father and Kathryn was not buying it. Vincent decided to pay Antonio to act like Olivia’s boyfriend to fool the press and his wife. Olivia agreed to the deal and so did Antonio who needed the money. Their acting grew from just acting as lovers to become friends, something movies like this always have happen so there is no surprise there.

From here on, the movie just charms its way with wonderful acting from the two. Antonio trying to navigate his way through the separation and tentative divorce from his wife. Who also happens to be jealous of his present relationship. While Olivia is trying to come to a decision with what she wants to do with her life. Kathryn on the other hand is working extra hard to discover the truth, because all the press appearance and kisses cannot make her believe that Antonio and Olivia were in a relationship.

The movie is easy to enjoy, and it is streaming now on Hulu.