Actress Barbara Schulz makes her directorial debut with the adventure film The Secret of Khufu, set in Paris and Egypt. The story follows archaeologist Christian Robinson, who believes Pharaoh Khufu’s treasure is hidden in Paris. Alongside his daughter and grandson, he embarks on a treasure hunt. The film has received mixed reviews, with praise for the chemistry between Julia Piaton and Fabrice Luchini, while some criticize Luchini’s performance as over-the-top. Overall, it’s an engaging family-oriented adventure.
Actress Barbara Schulz makes her directorial debut with the captivating adventure film, The Secret of Khufu, now playing in cinemas. This cinematic journey, set against the backdrop of Paris and Egypt, features a talented cast including Fabrice Luchini, Julia Piaton, Gavril Dartevelle, Johann Dionnet, and Vincent Heneine.
The plot centers on Christian Robinson, an archaeologist who becomes obsessed with a mysterious inscription found during recent excavations in Cairo. He believes that Pharaoh Khufu’s treasure was transported to France and hidden in Paris during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign. With the help of his daughter and grandson, Christian embarks on an exhilarating treasure hunt through the streets of Paris, driven to decipher the clues left by Dominique Vivant Denon, the Louvre’s first director.
Although casting Fabrice Luchini as an archaeologist may seem unconventional, he reflects on his role in the press kit, stating: ‘I am not the opposite of an adventurer. Playing Victor Hugo every night in front of a thousand people is a form of travel, of exploration.’
What are viewers saying about this exciting adventure film?
With 117 ratings and 41 reviews, The Secret of Khufu has garnered an average score of 3 stars out of 5. Notably, 68% of reviewers praise the chemistry between Julia Piaton and Fabrice Luchini. Many comments highlight the film’s family-friendly appeal.
Julia Piaton and Fabrice Luchini: A Dynamic Duo
Viewer Joker7560 shares: ‘We were completely engaged in this thrilling quest for Khufu’s treasure. The duo of Julia Piaton and Fabrice Luchini works exceptionally well! The direction is masterfully crafted with a relentless pace that keeps you on edge. 5 stars well deserved.’
AdamKesher01 adds: ‘This is a fantastic adventure film with a solid pace that immerses you in the puzzle-solving and treasure-hunting excitement in Paris. The actors shine, especially Fabrice Luchini, who is hilarious!‘
Céleste36 expresses: ‘A beautiful tale of family reconciliation set against an adventure backdrop. The pairing of Fabrice Luchini and Julia Piaton is heartwarming, and the film delivers a touching and uplifting experience. It’s exactly what audiences want to see in theaters right now; I plan to revisit it with my daughter!‘
Ariane Mourier describes it as ‘A French version of Indiana Jones! It’s humorous and perfect for the whole family. We had a delightful time watching it.‘
Nico F rates it 4 stars, stating: ‘I had my doubts, but it turned out to be a lovely surprise. Everything works beautifully, and the actors take us on a wonderful family adventure comedy. It’s a must-see, especially with family!‘
Jeje1134 remarks: ‘Don’t shy away from enjoying this little French film. Luchini delivers a strong performance as the Egyptologist, and his co-stars are excellent. The plot, while predictable, is engaging and holds up well. The film is suitable for all ages, free from violence or explicit content, and runs for a reasonable 1 hour and 40 minutes. Thank goodness it’s not another endless film!‘
Is Fabrice Luchini’s Performance Over-the-Top?
On the flip side, some viewers criticize Fabrice Luchini’s portrayal as overly exaggerated, feeling the script lacks originality. Iloonoyeil notes: ‘The film suffers from the overwhelming presence of Luchini’s character, reminiscent of Indiana Jones but in a much more subdued manner.‘
Roger D comments: ‘Luchini as an archaeologist is an odd choice… While he occasionally overacts, the film is overall enjoyable. The adventure unfolds smoothly, despite some clichéd villains. It’s the treasure hunt that keeps it interesting.‘
Cool_92 shares thoughts on The Secret of Khufu: ‘This debut film has good intentions but struggles to define its direction. It fluctuates between adventure and comedy without fully committing to either, leading to a lack of excitement. The humor is mild, and the adventure lacks thrills. The writing tends to rely on clichés, particularly with the police and villains. Luchini’s casting feels misplaced as he fails to convincingly portray an archaeologist in search of treasure.‘
Diry_Sale critiques the film: ‘Marketed as a French Indiana Jones, this story feels more like an escape room than an archaeological adventure. Not much to praise about this low-quality production. The humor falls flat, and the artistic direction is lacking. The 1 hour and 30 minutes felt much longer.‘
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Secret of Khufu charms audiences with its family-oriented adventure and the appealing duo of Julia Piaton and Fabrice Luchini, receiving positive feedback from many viewers. However, some criticize Luchini’s performance as overly dramatic and find the storyline too predictable. While the humor and adventure resonate with the majority of reviewers, a few express disappointment at the film’s unclear balance between comedy and adventure genres.
Catch The Secret of Khufu in theaters now!