A Critique of 'Out of Love': Camille Cottin's Performance Shines as She Steps In to Fill the Void Left by Her Disappeared Sister, Who Leaves Behind Two Children in Need of a Nurturing Presence
In the heart of 2025, French filmmaker Nathan Ambrosioni presents "Out of Love" (originally titled *Les enfants vont bien*), a powerful drama that delves into the complexities of family, responsibility, and the human capacity to adapt to loss. The film, starring Camille Cottin, unfolds the story of Jeanne, an emotionally reserved insurance claims adjuster, whose life is thrown into chaos by the sudden disappearance of her sister, Suzanne.
Jeanne, a workaholic career woman who had parted ways with her long-term partner over the issue of having children, finds herself thrust into the role of guardian when her estranged sister arrives unannounced at her doorstep with two children, 9-year-old Gaspard and his younger sister Margot. The following morning, Suzanne vanishes without a trace, leaving only a handwritten note and the bare essentials for Jeanne to manage.
As days turn into weeks, Jeanne is left to navigate the responsibilities of parenthood, balancing her job and personal life with the needs of the children who are just as disoriented by their mother’s disappearance. With little help from the police, who consider it a voluntary disappearance, and no real answers, Jeanne is faced with the daunting task of raising the children alone.
The film explores the emotional consequences for all three characters, delving into themes of sisterhood, motherhood, abandonment, and the haunting uncertainty of Suzanne’s absence. Jeanne's reluctant guardianship forces her to confront her own anxieties and unresolved issues from her childhood, while the children oscillate between hope, depression, and volatile outbursts as they await their mother’s return.
The film is structured as an "inverted drama," beginning with the most challenging moment and exploring its reverberations rather than the build-up to it. Ambrosioni masterfully crafts a suspenseful investigation into the reasons behind Suzanne’s disappearance, while simultaneously offering a poignant reflection on family, responsibility, and the unexpected ways people adapt to loss.
Camille Cottin delivers a heartfelt performance as Jeanne, a character who is torn between concern and incredulity regarding Suzanne’s disappearance. The film's younger cast, particularly Gaspard, also shines, with Gaspard's performance being remarkable, especially given his character's personal connection to Suzanne's disappearance.
The film's English-language title suggests that Suzanne's disappearance was "out of love," implying that she believed her sister would do a better job of raising the children. However, the film refrains from providing clear answers, leaving the audience to form their own theories about Suzanne's motives.
In "Out of Love," Alexandre de La Baume's piano score adds to the disconcerting atmosphere, while Ambrosioni's careful camera placement and use of ambiguity accentuate the mystery of Suzanne's disappearance. The film acknowledges the irreversibility of certain decisions and the human capacity to start over, particularly in relation to Jeanne's relationship with Nicole.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the film makes it clear that Gaspard and Margaux are not at fault for their behaviour; they are just children dealing with a difficult situation. The movie's timeline spans a month or so in summer, giving Jeanne flexibility to deal with the children, and the filmmaker refrains from excessive close-ups during emotional scenes, maintaining a respectful distance.
"Out of Love" is a simple yet complex character study, offering a gripping exploration of a woman who abdicates her maternal responsibilities and the impact on her family. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound effects of our choices and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Science can shed light on the psychological impact of sudden changes in family structures, as depicted in "Out of Love." The film's exploration of Jeanne's transformation from a career-focused individual to a guardian highlights the adaptability of the human brain in response to new challenges.
The film's focus on women's health and parenting issues, such as Jeanne's struggle to balance her demanding job with the needs of her niece and nephew, can spark conversations about work-life balance and the societal expectations placed on women in the home-and-garden area.
Health-and-wellness practitioners might find value in the film's portrayal of emotional resilience, as both Jeanne and the children demonstrate a remarkable capacity to cope with loss and hardship. These themes encourage a discussion about mental health, self-care, and the role of support systems in navigating life's challenges.
