“He Is the Best Version of Me” (original title Alter Ego, 2026) is a colorful and delightfully madcap European comedy that stands in stark contrast to the usual Hollywood standards and predictable American plots. The film was directed by Nicolas Charlet and Bruno Lavaine — the creators of the famous satire “99 Francs,” which immediately sets the right tone of cynicism and surrealism.
The plot revolves around Alex Flutar, whose life, though calm, is utterly unremarkable. His familiar routine goes to hell when his exact double moves in next door — a man who is better and more successful than Alex in every way. For the protagonist, the perfect neighbor becomes the living embodiment of his own insecurities and a deep identity crisis. Gradually, everyday envy escalates into paranoia, turning the film into a true black comedy with elements of a psychological thriller.
Here you will find no vulgar American slapstick or saccharine, moralizing happy endings. Instead, viewers are offered a signature French absurdist satire that caustically and elegantly mocks human envy, the obsession with social success, and the eternal toxic habit of comparing oneself to others.
The acting deserves special mention. Laurent Lafitte handles his dual role brilliantly, masterfully showing the contrast between an ordinary, insecure everyman and his frighteningly “improved” version. He is joined by the magnificent Blanche Gardin and Olga Kurylenko, who add just the right charm and charisma to the film.
This is a film for those who are tired of plastic comedies and are looking for an intelligent, ironic story with a slight touch of madness. The film makes you reflect on your own self-esteem and self-acceptance, doing so through laughter and a slight nervous twitch.
The verdict: our rating is 6.9/10 — a solid, stylish, and very European satire that is worth watching over a glass of wine.
