Traumatised by a terrorist attack in a busy brasserie in Paris, Mia (Efira) is unable to recall the events of the night. Memories of her trauma are completely erased, and she struggles to recall anything at all. The film was inspired by the experiences of director Alice Winocour’s brother, who was a survivor of a major terrorist attack in the Bataclan concert hall in Paris on 13 November 2015. Efira took out Best Actress Award for her role as Mia in the Cesar Awards for 2023.
The movie deals with attempted recall, as victims try to piece together what might have occurred. It also spends some time on the romance that springs up between Mia and Thomas (Magimel), who was wounded in the same attack. What happened to Mia erodes the relationship that she had with her doctor partner, Vincent (Colin), who left the restaurant before the terrorist attack began.
The movie is a study of trauma, coping, and resilience, and attempts to remember the past. Mia is haunted by the memory of someone holding her hand while the terrorists’ guns were blazing, and much of the film shows her trying to track the person who gave her comfort. Efira delivers an exceptional performance, and the movie highlights the important value of hope in dealing with trauma.
Hope is significant, especially when some elements of life before an attack can change in its aftermath. For instance, that Vincent left before the attack started affects his and Mia’s relationship. Mindful of the impact of the Bataclan attack, the film argues that every experience of emotional trauma is unique, and Efira powerfully captures that as she explores how victims’ recollections can change, bounce back to affect emotions, and shape later behaviour.
This is an inventive drama about coping with trauma, and the film delivers a moving portrayal of the impact of tragedy. While the director’s brother, to whom the film is dedicated, survived the Bataclan attack, more than 100 lives were lost.
The film targets the human consequences of terrorism, whenever and wherever it occurs. There are powerful truths in what the film reveals – trauma victims, for instance, can seal themselves off from those who are dear and close to them, and communities of help and support can be created and fostered when tragedy strikes. The film celebrates human capacity to bond, and offers a poignant and moving meditation on trauma, memory and recovery.
Vendetta Films
Released 9 November 2023