Not to be confused as a spinoff of The Godfather, nor compared or even put into the same category - The Godmother ( based on the novel of the same name by Hannlor Caye) is a black comedy about Police Translator, Patience (the ever fantastic Isabelle Huppert), who overhears a drug deal gone awry, Patience flips to the other side of the law, creating her own drug empire to turn a profit for her family.

To no surprise, The Godmother isn't groundbreaking; it follows a concept that was perfected by Breaking Bad, and done to death ever since, however it does offer some hearty laughs. In an engaging plot element, Patience befriends her local property manager, Collete (the greatest character in the film, portrayed by Jade-Nadja Nguyen), a bitter and mysterious woman who is entertainingly accustomed to violence.

Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher, Elle) is a fantastic leading lady, displaying both her dramatic and comedic chops appropriately in this crime caper. However, it is Jade-Nadja Nguyen who steals the show consecutively in the films funniest scenes. In an idyllic world, The Godmother would focus on these two characters teaming together to create a drug empire, for now, The Godmother will do.

The Godmother is a simple yet effective film. The cinematography is serviceable and the soundtrack is mainly forgettable. The story itself plays on a much minor scale to most crime capers; don't expect any Goodfellas or Godfather-esque sequences. Where the film shines is in its characters and humour, The Godmother should do well for families looking to dip their toes into a bit of entertaining black comedy.

The Godmother has a charming laugh and an engaging premise. It's main issues reach a simple resolve, and it's heart never beats as loud as desired. However, Huppert and Nguyen carry this crime caper to entertaining ends. Perhaps a larger focus on their friendship and eventual dealings would've improved the film. Here's hoping for a sequel?

3 out of 5 stars

The Godmother is playing at the French Film Festival from March 10th to April 5th.