If I Were a Boy (2017)

If I Were a Boy takes a high-concept body-swap twist and uses it for something rarer than easy punchlines: a warm, observant comedy about identity, desire, and the everyday absurdities we take for granted. Audrey Dana makes Jeanne instantly relatable—wounded, stubborn, funny in self-defense—and the film finds its best laughs in the awkward logistics and social whiplash of her new reality rather than cheap shock. Christian Clavier adds a steady comic counterweight, while the tone stays breezy and human, with just enough tenderness to keep the story grounded as it escalates. It won’t be for viewers who dislike broad French farce or sex-and-gender humor, but if you’re open to a playful premise with a surprisingly sincere heart, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing watch.

If I Were a Boy is clearly aiming for a light, body-swap-style comedy that uses Jeanne’s sudden transformation to poke at gender roles and dating expectations, and Audrey Dana commits to the premise with energetic, game-for-anything performance. The problem is the humor often leans on broad, repetitive “shock” beats and sitcom-level misunderstandings, so if you’re hoping for sharp satire or thoughtful insight, it can feel more like a sketch stretched to feature length. Christian Clavier brings some dependable comic timing, and there are a few genuinely sweet moments when the film slows down to let Jeanne’s vulnerability land. If you’re easily put off by toilet humor, gender gags that can feel dated, or a premise that asks you to ignore a lot of logic for the sake of jokes, this probably isn’t your night.