Deux jours, une nuit (or) Two Days, One Night (French, 2014)

It is a Marion Cotillard show all the way as she literally lives the de-glam role of the desperate Sandra. She has beautifully portrayed the after effects of her depression phase due to which her position at office initially came under question. Her body language when she reluctantly begs her colleagues to forego their bonus, her frequent break-downs, the sadness at being turned down, the elation on getting a vote in favor; one could go on & on raving about her performance.

Fabrizio Rongione plays the interesting role of Sandra’s Husband, Manu. The role has many layers where on occasions he seems very pushy while on other instances he is very understanding & shares a deep bond with his wife & kids.

Few colleagues of Sandra who stay with you even after the movie are: Timur Magomedgadzhiev who remembers how Sandra stood for him and heartbreakingly cries when he sees her for having let her down initially, a short-term contract worker who reveals his fears of being fired if people knew he voted for her, & finally Anne (Christelle Cornil) who wants to side with Sandra in spite of her partner being against it.

Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne must be commended for bringing out a problem that occurs over the course of a weekend, something every working class family can relate to. The characterization of Sandra, who takes control of her life & fights to the hilt, is praiseworthy. The climax is also well-etched making the film stay in one’s heart for its unwavering faith in humanity.