Behind-the-scenes restaurant drama, a French-Canadian/American culture clash, mixing business with pleasure, and a “meet the parents” setup. Get ready for the new romantic comedy French Girl!

The film follows Gordon, a high school teacher from Brooklyn, who goes with his girlfriend Sophie to her hometown of Quebec City when she lands a job opportunity at a new high-end restaurant opened by celebrity chef Ruby Collins…who also happens to be Sophie’s ex.

French Girl comes from writer/directors James A. Woods and Nicolas Wright. The central cast includes Zach Braff as Gordon, Evelyne Brochu as Sophie, and Vanessa Hudgens as Ruby. Additional cast members include Charlotte Aubin, Muriel Dutil, William Fichtner, Luc Picard, Antoine Olivier Pilon, and Isabelle Vincent.

Ruby (Vanessa Hudgens) assesses food made by Sophie (Evelyne Brochu) in 'French Girl'

French Girl combines plenty of romantic comedy and drama tropes in a fun way. You’ve got the culture clash of French Canada/America (French Girl is definitely a love letter to Quebec, with French heritage from family to food taking center stage throughout the film.); the combination “fish out of water” and “meet the parents” hijinks for Gordon (all while trying to find the right time to propose); and the tightrope walk of navigating a homecoming, a romantic relationship, a potential new job, AND a possible “my ex might be my new boss” scenario for Sophie. 

Essentially, there’s a lot going on here. And French Girl really capitalizes on the comedic potential of its setting, story, characters, and relationships.

Gordon (Zach Braff) gets chased by a swan in 'French Girl'

With decades of comedy under his belt, Braff always brings the laughs. Gordon’s a clear fish out of water here, in a new place and surrounded by Sophie’s extended family. His love for Sophie always feels earnest and genuine, which lets him get away with more than a few slip-ups (like stealing from Grandma and accidental swan murder). I also really loved the way the story teamed him up with Sophie’s brother (played by Antoine Olivier Pilon); the pair made for a really fun dynamic duo.

As the bridge between her French-Canadian family, her American boyfriend, and her famous chef ex, Brochu had a lot on her plate with Sophie. She balances everything well, demonstrating commitment to her family, her relationship, and her career all at once. Sophie’s in over her head, but you believe she’s going to turn things around in the end, embracing that classic rom-com spirit.

And tying everything together, Hudgens proves delightfully insufferable as Ruby. She’s always trying to steal the spotlight and it feels like her every action comes loaded with ulterior motives. Hudgens really gives the perfect “love to hate” vibe to the character. You don’t want her schemes to succeed, but you do want to see what she comes up with next.

Overall, French Girl delivers a fairly charming and funny little romantic comedy. It may not make it onto my favorites list, but it’s a cute watch for rom-com fans.

French Girl premieres in theaters March 15 and releases digitally March 19.