TIFF 2014: Two Days, One Night – Capsule Review

Directors: Luc Dardenne, Jean-Pierre Dardenne
Actors: Marion Cotillard, Fabrizio Rongione, Pili Groyne, Simon Caudry
Writers: Luc Dardenne, Jean-Pierre Dardenne
Country: Belgium/France
Rating: 14A
Runtime: 95 min

Marion Cotillard presents a vulnerable and emotional performance in Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne’s sombre yet ultimately uplifting film Two Days, One Night (2013). When Sandra (Cotillard) finds out that her coworkers voted for her to be let go in order to receive their bonuses, she has one weekend to visit each and change their minds. Initially Sandra, who also struggles with depression, seems beaten, but as she gains strength, the audience becomes increasingly invested in her struggle. This film benefits from a fresh and simple concept that one could imagine occurring in real life. The film shows the good and ugly sides of humanity, and each meeting, although some are similar, is tense and full of new emotion. The Dardennes make use of a handheld camera, so an audience feels as though they are travelling along with Sandra, who is an easy character to root for. The film also benefits from an utter lack of Hollywood clichés and avoids predictability and high drama. The result is slow, but the pace reflects these days as they would feel to Sandra, anxiously awaiting a verdict. Two Days, One Night is proof that a simple human situation can make for emotional as well as watchable film. The film forces an audience to wonder what they would do in this difficult situation, and challenges us to embrace a more selfless approach through the powerful strength of its heartbreaking lead performance.

Overall Rating: 7.8 / 10