THE PASSENGERS OF THE NIGHT
US Premiere
SPIRIT | WORLD
France 2022, 111 min, Director: Mikhaël Hers
The dissolution of a marriage is always difficult, and it’s even more so for Elisabeth (the iconic Charlotte Gainsbourg, radiant), in early 1980s Paris. She’s never been in a relationship with anyone but the husband who’s left her for another woman; her two children will soon leave the nest, and she’s never held a job. But when she nabs a position working for the host (Emmanuelle Béart) of the late-night call-in radio show she listens to, her fortunes begin to change. As the decade progresses, Elisabeth comes into her own, as do her kids in part due to their embrace of Talulah, a mysterious young drifter (Noée Abita). At once low-key and sweeping in its scope, reminiscent of Boyhood in its expansive slice of ordinary life, director Mikhaël Hers’ astutely-observed, compassionate and warm-hearted drama draws fine work from its veteran and emerging French talent. It’s also got a killer soundtrack of vintage Europop faves. —Dennis Harvey
In French with English subtitles
