The Life of My Mother: funny, moving and endearing (review)

Awarded by the public at the Angoulême festival, this moving and endearing comedy is based on an irresistible duo Agnès Jaoui-William Lebghil.

Julien Carpentier knows comedy like the back of his hand, having worked in particular with Mathieu Madénian, Thomas VDB and Monsieur Poulpe. But on the occasion of his first feature, he chose a step aside by venturing towards a more moving type of comedy, one capable of bringing tears to your eyes as much as a smile to your lips around a mother duo -son.

Pierre, 33, a florist whose small shop is a hit and Judith, whimsical and excessive who re-enters his life after two years spent away from him. A voluntary distance on his part to seek treatment for the bipolar disorder from which she suffers, in a specialized place. But a relationship of “neither with you, nor without you” since his deep love for her prevents him from detaching himself from her and ultimately from building himself as an adult. My mother's life talks about this very unique illness where we go from the most total euphoria to the deepest depression, almost in the snap of a finger. But without an ounce of miserabilism or obsession with a forced happy ending above ground.

Thanks to subtly written characters and a duo of actors in tune. William Lebghil and Agnès Jaoui who, in the skin of these characters who everything a priori opposes, deploy treasures of nuances throughout these scenes where what binds them will gradually take precedence over everything else. Beyond words, a smile, a look, a silence are enough for them to say everything and tell us everything.

By Julien Carpentier. With Agnès Jaoui, William Lebghil, Salif Cissé… Duration 1h45. Released March 6, 2024