Smoking Causes Coughing

A bizarre superhero team known as the 'Tabac Force' is tasked with protecting the planet from various threats. When their leader, Cessation, decides they need a mandatory break to rebuild their group cohesion, they retreat to a lakeside cabin. To pass the time, they engage in the ancient ritual of telling scary stories to each other. This leads to a series of increasingly absurd and surreal tales that explore themes of mortality, environmentalism, and the absurdities of modern life.

Smoking Causes Coughing received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who largely praised its unique and absurdist humor, as well as Dupieux's distinctive directorial style. Some found the humor overly niche or the plot too disjointed, while others appreciated its sheer originality and gonzo approach.

• Praised for its relentless surrealism and unique comedic voice.

• Appreciated for its imaginative and bizarre storytelling.

• Some critics found the humor too divisive or the narrative structure unconventional.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a split response, with many enjoying the film's unhinged creativity and laugh-out-loud absurdity. However, a portion of viewers found the plot too bizarre or lacking in conventional storytelling, leading to a polarized reception.

The film's title is a direct reference to the famous anti-smoking campaign slogan, 'Smoking causes coughing,' which was often displayed on cigarette packs in France.