I’ve been lucky to see a number of films (and good ones!) at the Film Festival this year, but thus far, the one that has really stuck with me is Two Days, One Night (Deux jours, une nuit) by the renowned Dardenne brothers, who have an amazing track record of making terrific dramas of everyday, working life, although as one might expect, not without a fair share of traumas. In this most recent film, the remarkable Marion Cotillard (Oscar winner for her portrayal of legendary chanteuse Édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose) plays Sandra, who on returning to work after a breakdown, finds a despicable bargain has been presented to her fellow workers: they each get a bonus if Sandra loses her job. The film’s premise follows Sandra’s precarious attempts over a single weekend to convince the other employees to reject this managerial ploy via a Monday morning referendum. Shot in a very effective near-documentary style, the film is deeply moving and memorable. And given the dismal state of current employment practices globally, it’s especially relevant. (Trailer below)
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