When it comes to nun movies, one automatically thinks of The Sound of Music. Well Oh My Goodness does pay homage to the 1965 classic, starting with the opening scene featuring picturesque, hilly French countryside on a sunny day. At St. Benedict’s convent, sister Béatrice (Guilaine Londez) suddenly goes berserk when she finds a white flower on the ground she thought was an Edelweiss. Then comes a visit to a nearby nursing home, which becomes a catalyst for the adventure the quirky sisters embark on, led by Mother Veronique (Valérie Bonneton).

When they find out that there’s a big cycling race, the five nuns aim to snag the €25,000 cash prize to fund the much-needed renovations for their rundown hospice. The problem is, that most of them don’t know how to ride a bike. The only hope is in the young trainee Gwendoline (Louise Malek), and she has to endure a pretty arduous training as a result. The film showcases a funny generational clash, as Gwendoline, like many young-uns in their twenties, is constantly glued to her smartphone.

I enjoy the camaraderie between the nuns, and some of them have an amusing backstory. Béatrice was in a beauty pageant, while Augustine (Camille Chamoux) was a biker (with tattoos to prove it) who was saved by the Bible, literally. Veronique is practically ‘fangirl-ing’ over the Pope, so the chance to win a trip to the Vatican really amps up her motivation. The St. Benedict sisters are up to some mischievous tricks in their plan to eliminate the competition. Just when they think the grand prize is within reach, Veronique’s childhood rival, Mother Josephine (Sidse Babett Knudsen), and her sisters turn up. They too want to raise funds for their own benevolent cause. The competition between the sisters from different convents escalates to such ridiculous levels that it feels like something out of a slapstick farce, similar to The Naked Gun or Hot Shots.

Directed by Laurent Tirard (who’s directed some episodes of Call My Agent!) and written by Cécile Larripa & Philippe Pinel, the movie clocks in at a breezy 86 minutes. There’s no salacious scandal or even a religious conflict, even the use of foul language is comical. Most of the shenanigans arise from their fierce competitiveness which often gets the best of them. Despite the subject matter, it’s a lightweight, frothy movie that doesn’t go into deep about spiritual matters. In fact, some of the Catholic rituals and traditions are played for laughs.

Overall, Oh My Goodness is unapologetically goofy and absurd, yet it’s also hilarious and endearing with a touch of redemption in the end. The beautiful scenery of the French countryside definitely makes this a fun form of escapism.

What do you think of this movie? What are some of your favorite French comedies?

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