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Poster for When the Cat's Away

When the Cat's Away

Seen it?

1996 | 91 min | Comedy

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Light and funny.
The pace
Breezy, at 1 hr 31 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

When Chloe, a young Parisian, decides to take a long-overdue vacation, she has to find someone to look after Gris-Gris, her beloved cat. Everyone, including her gay male roommate, refuses to help her, but she finally makes an arrangement with the elderly Madame Renée, who often watches over other peoples' cats and dogs. However, when Chloe comes back, Madame Renée tells her that unfortunately the cat has been lost, and the unlucky owner goes on a search for her dear animal friend. While looking for the cat, she meets many colorful characters who populate the neighborhood.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    87% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $5 million worldwide

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 4K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Cédric Klapisch

  • Garance ClavelChloé
  • Zinedine SoualemDjamel
  • Renée Le CalmMadame Renée
  • Olivier PyMichel
  • Simon AbkarianCarlos
  • Marilyne Cantola femme flic
  • Antoine Chappeyle mec bourré
  • Romain Durisle joueur de batterie
  • Hélène de Fougerollesun mannequin
  • Éric Savinle militant onze de pique