Les Enfants des autres

The female gaze in cinema is still not so common; traditions, also outdated ones, are hard to overcome. There is a scene in LES ENFANTS DES AUTRES in which Rachel, the film’s main character, calmly watches her lover as he takes a shower. The moment is crucial, since it not only emphasizes the female perspective with strength and simplicity but also Rebecca Zlotowski’s willingness to work against the grain of cinematic clichés.
Working from her own screenplay, the French filmmaker, tells a decidedly everyday story that is light-footed and without superfluous dramatic highs: a 40-year-old woman starts a new relationship with a tender guy who has a four year old daughter. She quickly becomes a loving step-mom of sorts and soon also meets (with a little anxiety) her new partner’s ex, the child’s mother, who turns out to transcend all stereotypes by being friendly and welcoming. Rachel’s wish to have children of her own complicates things, while discovering the diverse hierarchies of love (there is nothing stronger than the bond to your child) is poignant as well. Virginie Efira memorably embodies the central character with empathy and edge, alongside such congenial acting partners as Roschdy Zem and Chiara Mastroianni. (Stefan Grissemann)

Rebecca Zlotowski: BELLE ÉPINE (2010), GRAND CENTRAL (2013), PLANÉTARIUM (2016), MIU MIU: L’EAU ROSÉE (2018, K), UNE FILLE FACILE (2019), LES SAUVAGES (2019, TV-Miniseries)