Movie of the Day: My Everything (2024) by Anne-Sophie Bailly
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
Link to watch: https://www.universcine.com/films/mon-inseparable (France)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21993128/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/466187/
About movie: https://filmsdulosange.com/en/film/my-everything/
Detailed Summary
Mona, a woman in her sixties, lives with her adult son, Joël, who has a learning disability. Joël works at a specialized facility and is deeply in love with Océane, a coworker who also has a disability. Mona is unaware of the extent of their relationship until she learns that Océane is pregnant. This news significantly disrupts the close, almost symbiotic bond between mother and son. The film explores Mona's reaction and her coming to terms with Joël's burgeoning adulthood and the prospect of him becoming a father. It delves into the societal attitudes and the ethos surrounding individuals with special needs as they navigate love, desire, and parenthood. Director Anne-Sophie Bailly examines the perspectives of both the young adults exploring their relationship and the parents grappling with responsibility and assurance for their children's future.
Plot Summary
A mother's close relationship with her adult son, who has a disability, is challenged when she discovers he is expecting a child with his disabled coworker.
Director's Vision
Anne-Sophie Bailly aimed to deliver a moving and cleverly controlled melodrama focusing on the bond between a unique son and his mother, who is also navigating her own desires in life. The director explores the mechanisms and influences within their parent-child relationship, revolving around the question of disability and emancipation. Bailly has mentioned that in drama, humor serves as a kind of politeness towards the viewer.
Themes
Mother-Son Relationship: The film deeply explores the close and complex bond between Mona and Joël.
Disability and Emancipation: The movie tackles the theme of adults with disabilities making their own life choices, including relationships and starting a family.
Motherhood and Letting Go: Mona must learn to navigate her role as her son transitions into adulthood and parenthood.
Love and Desire: The film portrays the love and desire experienced by individuals with disabilities.
Societal Attitudes Towards Disability: The movie subtly raises questions about societal expectations and judgments surrounding individuals with special needs becoming parents.
Key Success Factors
Laure Calamy's Performance: Critics have praised Laure Calamy's portrayal of Mona as moving and stellar, bringing depth to the character's internal struggles.
Nuanced Portrayal of Disability: The film is noted for its sensitive and human depiction of individuals with disabilities navigating relationships.
Emotional Resonance: The movie tackles complex and significant matters with poignant clarity, evoking genuine emotion in the viewer.
Summary Short
A single mother's life is disrupted when her adult son, who has a disability, unexpectedly becomes a father, forcing her to confront her son's independence and the challenges they face.
Awards and Nominations
"My Everything" won the Authors under 40 Award for Best Director, the Sorriso Diverso Venezia Award for Best Film in a Foreign Language, and the Premio Speciale Film Impresa Award at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. Charles Peccia also won a Special Mention at the 2024 El Gouna Film Festival. The film was nominated for the Venice Horizons Award for Best Film and the Golden Star at the El Gouna Film Festival.
Critics Reception
Critics have generally responded positively to "My Everything." Cineuropa's Fabien Lemercier praised it as a dynamic and tightly paced first feature film and a beautiful and nuanced portrait of a woman. Marilou Duponchel from Les Inrockuptibles described 1 it as a beautiful first film about filial love that is far removed from convention.
Reviews
Reviews highlighted the film's moving portrayal of the mother-son bond and its sensitive handling of disability. The performances, especially Laure Calamy's, have been widely praised. The film is noted for making the delicate societal question of disability accessible and human.
Box Office
"My Everything" has grossed $235,926 in France and a total worldwide gross of $308,152.
Production
"My Everything" is a French drama film directed and written by Anne-Sophie Bailly, starring Laure Calamy and Charles Peccia-Galletto, produced by Les Films Pelléas, in co-production with France 3 Cinéma and Pictanovo, with a runtime of 94 minutes.
Production Companies
Les Films Pelléas (France)
France 3 Cinéma (France)
Pictanovo (France)
Frakas Production (Belgium - Co-producer)
Sales Companies
Les Films du Losange is handling the international sales for "My Everything."
Distribution Companies
Les Films du Losange is distributing the film in France. Palace Films will distribute in Australia and New Zealand. Grupo Estação will distribute in Brazil. Xenix Filmdistribution will distribute in French-speaking Switzerland. Cinobo will distribute in Greece. I Wonder Pictures will distribute in Italy. Teleview International S.A.L. will distribute in Lebanon. Mirror Audiovisual will distribute in Spain. Edge Entertainment will distribute in Sweden.
Theatrical Release
The film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2024. It was released theatrically in France on December 25, 2024, and has planned releases in other countries in 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Moving and Heartfelt Story: The film offers a tender exploration of the bond between a mother and her son.
Strong Performances, Especially Laure Calamy: Her portrayal of Mona has been widely praised.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The film tackles important issues related to disability, independence, and family dynamics.
Why to Watch Movie
To See a Sensitive and Human Portrayal of Disability: The film offers a nuanced perspective on the lives of individuals with special needs.
For a Compelling Family Drama: The story explores the complexities of family relationships in unique circumstances.
To Experience French Cinema: Anne-Sophie Bailly is a promising new voice in French filmmaking.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Family Dramas with Psychological Elements: The film delves into the emotional and psychological dynamics within the family unit.
Coming-of-Age in Different Life Stages: While not a traditional coming-of-age story for a teenager, Joël's journey can be seen as a form of coming into his own adulthood.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Increased Awareness and Understanding of Disability: The film contributes to a growing societal awareness and understanding of the lives and experiences of individuals with disabilities.
Evolving Family Structures and Responsibilities: The film reflects the diverse ways families are formed and the evolving roles within them.
Final Verdict
"My Everything" is a moving and insightful film that beautifully portrays the bond between a mother and her adult son with a disability as they navigate unexpected changes and challenges. Anne-Sophie Bailly's sensitive direction and Laure Calamy's stellar performance create a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Recommendations for Film Makers
Handle Sensitive Topics with Nuance and Care: The film's portrayal of disability and family dynamics is both delicate and impactful.
Focus on Strong Character Development: The depth of the characters allows the audience to connect with their emotional journeys.
Utilize Strong Lead Performances to Drive the Narrative: Laure Calamy's performance is central to the film's emotional impact.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Films that Offer Diverse Perspectives on Family and Disability: "My Everything" provides a valuable contribution to these themes.
Recognize and Promote Emerging International Talent: Anne-Sophie Bailly's debut feature showcases a promising new director.
Ensure Accessibility for Films that Address Important Social Issues: Making films like "My Everything" available to a wide audience can promote empathy and understanding.
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