French cinema delivers a touching and humorous exploration of family and music in the new release My Brother's Band. Originally titled En Fanfare, this film from director Emmanuel Courcol has been winning hearts with its authentic portrayal of an unexpected sibling bond.
A Story of Unexpected Family and Urgent Need
The plot centres on Thibaut Desormeaux, a successful Parisian conductor portrayed by Benjamin Lavernhe. During a rehearsal of Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, Thibaut collapses and receives a devastating diagnosis: leukaemia. His urgent need for a bone marrow donor coincides with the shocking discovery that he was adopted. This revelation means his immediate family are unlikely matches, sending him on a search for biological relatives.
His search leads him to Jimmy Lecocq, played by Pierre Lottin, a divorced canteen worker living in an industrial town. The initial meeting is, understandably, awkward. Imagine announcing yourself as a stranger's long-lost brother and immediately asking for a significant medical procedure. Jimmy's initial reluctance gives way to agreement, and the treatment proves successful, sending Thibaut's cancer into remission.
Music Bridges the Gap Between Two Worlds
While their upbringings were vastly different—Thibaut in affluence and Jimmy in modest circumstances—music provides common ground. Jimmy is a trombonist in a community brass band, a far cry from Thibaut's international concert halls, but their shared passion becomes the foundation of their relationship.
Thibaut is soon roped into helping Jimmy's band prepare for a competition. They are practising an arrangement of Verdi's The Grand March from Aida, allowing Thibaut to contribute his classical expertise. The band's rehearsals are filled with comedic spats and colourful characters, providing light relief amidst the film's more poignant moments.
However, the film doesn't shy away from tension. Resentment simmers as Jimmy confronts the life of privilege his brother enjoyed. A thoughtful but expensive gift of a new trombone from Thibaut only highlights their economic divide. This complex emotional landscape is further complicated by a threat to the local factory where many band members work, adding a layer of social realism.
Performances and Tone That Ring True
The success of the narrative rests heavily on the shoulders of Lavernhe and Lottin. Their performances are excellent, both individually and in their scenes together, crafting a relationship that feels genuinely layered and real. The supporting cast, including family members and bandmates, adds depth and creates a fully realised world.
Director Courcol has crafted a film that is funny, poignant, and deeply human. While it may draw comparisons to British ensemble films like Brassed Off!, it retains a distinct Gallic flavour. One particularly French moment involves a shift from the formal "vous" to the familiar "tu," encapsulating the evolving intimacy between characters.
The soundtrack is a character in itself, featuring classical works by Mendelssohn and Mozart, with Ravel's Bolero playing a key role. While Thibaut's own compositions feature, it's the communal power of the brass band that leaves the most lasting musical impression.
In summary, My Brother's Band is a richly appealing film. It masterfully balances light and shade, comedy and drama, delivering a moving study of sibling connection that is well worth seeing. It premiered in Australia on December 24, 2025.
