Fans of the formidable Beth Dutton from Paramount+'s hit series Yellowstone might be surprised to learn of the actress's gentler cinematic origins. Long before she was intimidating boardrooms in Montana, Kelly Reilly was charming audiences across the Channel in a beloved French film trilogy that remains a cult favourite.
From Barcelona Flatshare to Dutton Ranch
Reilly's international breakthrough came not from a western, but from a series of European romantic comedies directed by Cédric Klapisch. In The Spanish Apartment trilogy, she played Wendy, a British student sharing a chaotic Barcelona apartment with a group of international peers, including a French student named Xavier, portrayed by Romain Duris.
The first film, L'Auberge Espagnole, debuted in 2002 and explored the vibrant lives and friendships of the young flatmates. A romance blossomed between Wendy and Xavier, a storyline that developed across the sequels. The follow-up, Russian Dolls (Les Poupées Russes), arrived in 2005, catching up with the characters five years later at the wedding of Wendy's brother.
The final chapter, Chinese Puzzle (Casse-tête Chinois), was released in 2013 and depicted the couple navigating life in their 40s after a breakup, co-parenting their two children. The trilogy, which also starred French icon Audrey Tautou, is celebrated in France but can be tricky to find on mainstream streaming platforms.
A Career-Defining Role and a Recent Return
This early work proved pivotal for Reilly's career. Her performance in Russian Dolls earned her the prestigious César Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2006. Furthermore, she was honoured with the Chopard Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005, marking her as a rising star over a decade before Yellowstone premiered.
In a testament to the series' enduring appeal, Reilly and Duris returned to their roles in 2023 for Klapisch's Prime Video sequel series, Greek Salad. This eight-part drama shifted focus to Wendy and Xavier's now-grown children, with the original stars appearing in smaller, yet significant, supporting roles.
Upon its release, Reilly shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a selfie with director Klapisch and reflecting on the two-decade journey. "How wonderful to work with you over all these years," she wrote, adding, "And to the actors I have been getting older with, what a total joy it's been!"
Looking Beyond the Yellowstone Universe
While audiences eagerly await Reilly's return as Beth Dutton alongside Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler in the upcoming spin-off, The Dutton Ranch, the actress is not resting on her laurels. She is also set to explore a darker character in the new Sky detective thriller, Under Salt Marsh, filmed entirely in Wales.
This deep dive into her filmography reveals the impressive range of Kelly Reilly, showcasing her ability to transition from a award-winning romantic lead in European cinema to one of television's most powerful and complex characters in Yellowstone. Her early work in the Klapisch trilogy remains a cherished and significant chapter in her artistic story.
