Better Days (15)

(Subtitled)

Valérie Bonneton leads this poignant French dramedy that blends heartfelt emotion with gentle humor, portraying a rarely explored subject: female alcoholism.

She plays Suzanne, a widowed mother of three whose life spirals out of control following a car accident that costs her custody. With no choice but to enter a rehab centre, Suzanne meets Alice, a young woman in denial about her drinking, and Diane, a washed-up actress estranged from her daughter. Clovis Cornillac plays Denis, a patient and encouraging instructor who brings the women together around a singular goal: participating in a gruelling rally through the Moroccan desert.

Director duo Elsa Bennett and Hippolyte Dard treat their characters with authenticity and warmth, highlighting the pain, resilience, and awkward humour of recovery. The women slowly learn to rebuild their lives, forging bonds of friendship and solidarity while confronting their pasts. Bonneton is superb, and the supporting cast, including Sabrina Ouazani and Michèle Laroque, adds depth and nuance.

Ignore the absolutely appalling poster. This is an uplifting, sensitive story of redemption and female solidarity, a celebration of courage, humour, and the small victories that make life worth fighting for.