A Full-Throttle Portrait of Modern Motherhood: A Review of "A Plein Temps"
France 2’s broadcast of "A Plein Temps" ("Full Time") offered a captivating cinematic experience, plunging viewers into the relentless rhythm of a single mother’s life amidst the chaos of a nationwide transportation strike. This isn’t merely a film; it’s a visceral, anxiety-inducing journey that mirrors the daily struggles of countless individuals, particularly single mothers striving to balance work, family, and sanity in a world that often feels designed to work against them. Maroussia Dubreuil’s review aptly captures the film’s essence, highlighting its addictive nature and its poignant portrayal of a France often unseen on the silver screen.
The premise, seemingly simple, is deceptively powerful. Julie, brilliantly portrayed by Laure Calamy, is a single mother living in the peri-urban zone outside Paris, a geographical limbo that represents the challenges of modern living. She works as a head chambermaid in a high-end Parisian hotel, a demanding job that barely affords her a decent life. When a crippling transportation strike throws the city into disarray, Julie’s already precarious existence teeters on the brink.
The film masterfully depicts the domino effect of the strike. The simple act of getting to work becomes an epic battle against overcrowded trains, canceled routes, and the ever-present threat of being late. This disruption isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a catastrophic event that jeopardizes Julie’s employment, her ability to provide for her children, and her overall well-being. We witness her frantic attempts to navigate the chaotic transportation system, strategizing routes, pleading with childcare providers, and constantly battling the clock.
What sets "A Plein Temps" apart is its unflinching realism. Eric Gravel, the director, doesn’t romanticize Julie’s struggles or offer easy solutions. Instead, he immerses the audience in her relentless routine, showcasing the exhausting physical and mental toll of her daily life. The film avoids sentimentality, opting for a raw and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by working-class families in France.
The film’s opening scene is particularly effective. We are introduced to Julie as she sleeps, the camera lingering on her peaceful face, her breathing steady and calm. This brief moment of tranquility offers a stark contrast to the frenetic energy that permeates the rest of the film. It’s a fleeting glimpse of the woman beneath the weight of her responsibilities, a reminder of the human cost of relentless pressure.
The illusion of peace is shattered as the alarm clock blares, signaling the start of another day. Julie is instantly jolted into action, her children bounding into the room, demanding her attention. In a matter of seconds, the screen is filled with activity, perfectly illustrating the film’s title: "A Plein Temps" – full time. From that moment on, the film rarely lets up, mirroring the relentless pace of Julie’s life.
Gravel employs a distinct visual style to convey Julie’s constant state of anxiety. The camera often follows her closely, blurring the background, as if we are seeing the world through her eyes as she rushes from one task to another. This technique creates a sense of urgency and disorientation, immersing the viewer in Julie’s subjective experience. The film’s sound design further amplifies this effect, with a pulsating score that mimics the pounding of Julie’s heart as she races against time.
Laure Calamy’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary. She embodies Julie with a remarkable blend of strength, vulnerability, and quiet desperation. Calamy captures the physical exhaustion and mental strain of Julie’s life, her face etched with worry and determination. She conveys the character’s inner resilience without resorting to clichés, presenting a nuanced and deeply human portrayal of a working mother struggling to survive. It’s easy to see why she won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival for this role.
"A Plein Temps" transcends its specific setting and resonates with a universal audience. It speaks to the pervasive anxiety of modern life, the relentless pressure to succeed, and the challenges of balancing work and family. The film also sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of single mothers, who disproportionately bear the brunt of these pressures. It highlights the societal inequalities that make it difficult for working-class families to thrive, particularly those living in the peri-urban areas, where access to resources and opportunities is often limited.
Furthermore, the film implicitly critiques the lack of social support for working mothers. Julie’s reliance on an increasingly impatient and unreliable childcare provider underscores the need for affordable and accessible childcare options. Her struggles with transportation highlight the importance of investing in public infrastructure and ensuring that essential services are available to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
"A Plein Temps" is not a feel-good movie. It doesn’t offer easy answers or pat resolutions. However, it is a powerful and important film that forces us to confront the realities of modern life. It reminds us of the struggles faced by countless individuals who are working tirelessly to make ends meet, and it calls attention to the need for greater social and economic justice.
Ultimately, "A Plein Temps" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the overwhelming challenges she faces, Julie never gives up. She fights for her children, she strives for a better life, and she refuses to be defeated. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and determination can prevail. This film is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the realities of modern motherhood and the challenges of living "a plein temps."
