Delicacy is a sweet and visually jubilant love story that turns a passionate encounter into something quite beautiful.

Sometimes all is takes is a kiss to fall head over heels in love. At least that’s all it took for unassuming Swede Markus (Francois Damiens) when his boss Nathalie (Audrey Tautou) lays a big wet one on from out of nowhere.

For some this may be grounds for sexual harassment. For Markus it is the most memorable moment of his life, and who can blame him? Ever since Audrey Tautou first touched out hearts in the quintessential French comedy Amelie, she has gone on to become an international movie star who espouses golden era class and beauty within modern era confides. If more men were kissed by her in the workplace, productivity will be strong.

When we first meet Tautou’s character Nathalie she is happily married to the charming Francois (Pio Marmai). When he dies in an accident, it sends Nathalie in a tailspin of grief and isolation, with work her only priority. That is until Markus walks through her door and Nathalie decides to blow off some steam through a passionate kiss.

It is with that kiss that Delicacy truly begins. While the whole “nerdy guy falls in love with beautiful girl” angle has been done before, with Delicacy it feels fresh thanks to the performances from its lead players.

Damiens is especially memorable, projecting an inherent goodness which immediately distracts us from his non-movie star looks and the perfectly suited drab wardrobe chosen for his character. That Markus is not the most handsome of men lays the ground work for great comedy and drama, which Damiens both excels in.

Delicacy is directed by brothers David and Stephane Foenkinos, and is based on David’s popular novel. Not only have they crafted a film rich in character and feeling, but it’s also a visually exuberant film with great photography by Remy Chevrin and nice use of visual effects. On several occasions the Foenkinos brothers us transitions and ellipses which gives the films a quirky sensibility, but not to the point where it’s something of a Michel Gondry clone (a trap many fall into).

There is a lot of genuine feeling in Delicacy. It is sweet, but never sickly in its sweetness. Tender, but not to the point of mush. Great performances sell its unlikely love story, while innovative direction frames it into an entertaining and digestible package.