Some argue that critics are being overly harsh on Balasko’s latest effort, pointing out that every artist goes through phases where they don’t hit their stride. They contend that dismissing a single misstep as career-ending is unfair and overlooks the broader context of her extensive body of work.

The risk lies in the potential long-term damage to Balasko's reputation if this film continues to underperform at the box office.

'L’Arnaqueuse' could mark a turning point for Balasko, either as a wake-up call to reevaluate her approach or as a momentary setback before reclaiming her place at the forefront of French cinema. The coming months will reveal whether she can bounce back from this misfire.

The public reaction is likely to be divided along lines of long-time fans versus newcomers. Those who have followed Balasko’s career closely are more likely to see this as a blip, while newer audiences might be deterred by the negative buzz. The tribalism will play out in social media debates and box office numbers.