what are you talking about
Ambre studies law, encouraged by modest parents who already see him as a lawyer. When a baby arrives that was not planned at all, the whole family has to reinvent themselves. A young mother knocks on the door of the university, and then on her parents, who consider her irresponsible, to prove to her that she can do without them.
Did you find a job, an apartment? Don’t even be afraid! He is ready to move mountains for his son! Soon faced with the reality of the job market, he still struggles to come to terms with the only opportunity offered to him: to become a garbage collector for the city of Paris…
who is he with
To bring the story to life, the production has called on Frankie Wallach (The Book of Decisions), Bernard Campagne (And More Like It) and Clementine Cellarie (The Substitute) to play the roles of Amber, Jean-Yves and Desalles, respectively.
The latter is accompanied by Moussa Sylla, Zachary Chacerio, Anne Suarez, Chad Chenuga, Amour Leroy, Jerome Gaschard, Ludmila Makowski and Benjamin Jauen.
On the production side, we have Akim Isker (Visions) at the helm, based on an original idea by screenwriter and novelist Fanny Chesnell.
is it worth watching
At the age of 22, Ambre had a bright future. The mother of a three-year-old boy, she lives with her parents in modest circumstances and continues her legal studies to become a lawyer. But when she fails her exams and her parents pressure her to build a better future, Ambre gives up everything.
Refusing to be a burden to her parents, who see her as too immature, but above all to prove that she can fend for herself, Ambre begins her quest for independence. She then leaves the family home with her son to move in with her best friend while she finds work.
Very soon, Amber will be confronted with the strict laws of the labor market and will have to accept the only opportunity offered to her: a job she would never have considered before, that of a Paris garbage collector.
In Court, director Akim Isker and screenwriter Fanny Chesnell create a social film that is as powerful as it is moving. Both poignant and deeply realistic, the film deals with themes of single parenthood and vulnerability with rare precision.
But, above all, it is in Ambre’s profession that the film finds all its originality. It must be said that the profession of a garbage collector was rarely shown on the screen.
Indeed, the film pays homage to a shadowy profession that is too often devalued and stigmatized. Through Amber’s eyes, the audience discovers the harsh reality of this profession, the strange hours, the dirt, the constant physical effort, the traumatic scenes that agents can sometimes encounter.
Because yes, being a garbage collector isn’t just about picking up trash. A functional, emergency department is actually the first to be called in case of demonstrations, accidents, attacks, etc. They are on the ground and sometimes witness real war scenes.
While the film offers a fresh look at this essential profession in the midst of sometimes difficult daily life, it also highlights Amber’s inspiring journey by exploring the harsh realities of single mothers.
It should be said that every fourth family in France is single-parent, and in 82% of them children are raised by women alone. These single mothers often face great difficulties: insecurity, stigmatization or even difficulties in accessing employment and housing.
However, the film never veers into misery and offers an authentic portrait of what these women can endure on a daily basis.
The script manages to combine emotion and realism with careful production. Frankie Wallach’s performance is commendable. Indeed, the actress gives a strong portrayal of this determined young woman that we won’t soon forget.
On Trial is a powerful work that offers a portrait not only of this mother willing to do anything for her child, but of a lesser-known profession. It is therefore not for nothing that the film won the Best Unitarian Prize and the Unifrance Foreign Press Prize at the 2024 La Rochelle Film Festival.
A must-see social and human fiction, this Wednesday night on France 2.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
