The editing errs on the side of longueurs, but likable people and the mise-en-scne draw you in. Somehow, even the artificiality feels heartwarming.

Samba finds a much stronger rhythm when it stops contriving and simply shines a light on the joy and pain (and musical interludes) of lives lived in the margins.

Unfortunately, the material flounders from the broadly farcical to the bombastically melodramatic.

Another winning turn from Omar Sy is reason enough to enjoy this optimistic comedy/drama.