This is a tale about two sisters. Ariane, a blonde young Parisian, is hopefully romantic. She works for one of those publications that sell 'comic romances' which are illustrated with photographs. Ariane spends her days in a sort of reverie composing situations in which she sees herself as the female model for her own stories. Most of her plots involve Farid, an attractive man who does not seem to share her enthusiasm, spending as much as he can away from her.
Lena, the other sibling, is a cellist working with an musical ensemble. When we first meet her, she is performing in London. It is the kind of orchestra much like the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra a group who plays music without a conductor. The guest soloist, Mark, catches her eye. They briefly date, but at the end of the tour, Lena goes back to Paris, and Mark, who is in demand, goes to Tokyo. Lena and Mark had an affair before he leaves for the Far East.
The sisters live apart, but see each other frequently. Ariane's building is under repairs and Pablo, a Spaniard worker, becomes friendly with her. Ariane likes the man, but her heart is set on Farid. Lena, on the other hand, is involved with Francois, a man who one can see does not have what Lena is looking for. Ariane comes to realize Farid has no intentions for anything serious, while falling, little by little for the kinder Pablo. Lena and Francois come to a decision to split, but in her heart she wants Mark, who only reappears in her life at the end of the story, two years later. Mark confesses he has married, thus ending her dreams of sharing her life with him.
Directed by Julie Lopes-Curval and shown on a French cable channel. The film is a light comedy with two endearing young actresses and a whimsical screenplay by the director and Sophie Hiet. "Toi et moi" surprises by Ms. Lopes-Curval's vision of how younger people in the present world still have dreams and aspirations for finding love and romance, such as Ariene and Lena. In the film Ariane's life is illustrated with photographs as though right out of the pages of one of those 'romance comics' which Ariene spends time elaborating, in which she sees herself as the heroine of her own stories.
Julie Depardieu does one of the best works we recall ever seeing her do on the screen. She is lovable as the woman who has set her eyes on a man who does not appreciate what he has. Ms. Depardieu is totally convincing in the way she portrays her character. Marion Cotillard's Lena is also quite right. She is not as lucky as her sister because fate did not help her in the romance department. She secretly craved for Mark, who had other priorities, not caring to spend the rest of her life with Francois. The ensemble playing works out well. Jonathan Zaccai plays Mark, a man who could not commit himself, yet wanting Lena. Sergio Peris-Mencheta makes a nice Pablo. Eric Berger and Chantal Lauby are seen in supporting roles.
Philippe Guilbert, the cinematographer does an outstanding job in capturing the locations in London and Paris. The score by Sebastian Schuller compliments the classical music heard as the classical ensemble plays fine music. One can only wish Ms. Lopes-Curval success in future endeavors.