Cécile Ducrocq makes an impressive feature debut with this contemporary tale set in the French city of Strasbourg. A strong lead performance from Call My Agent’s Laure Calamy, who commands every scene she’s in, ensures the film grabs you from the off, sucking you into a story essentially about the bond between a single mother and her son, and specifically her best intentions for his future.
The film begins with a transaction – one between Calamy’s Marie, and a paying punter. Marie is a sex worker, mostly hustling the streets offering blowjobs for 35 Euros – or full position for more. It is instantly obvious that Marie is a strong independent woman, and seemingly her only flaw is her worry for her wayward teenage son who has just managed to get himself expelled from school.
Determined that he continue his education, Marie consult career advisors, who recommend that he become a security guard or the like, but Marie wants him to continue on his path to become a chef. The issue is that no school will take him with his grades and past history, but a top paid-for placement could be an option, if Marie can come up with the 9000 Euro tuition fee. Determined as she is, Marie sets herself to task to come up with the money needed, all to give her reluctant son a better life.
Ducrocq has crafted an involving first feature that sees the audience really rooting for its main character, while also depicting her job – that of a prostitute – as just that; a career choice that she is completely in control where she seems to be devoid of danger and, if it were to come her way, be able to handle herself quite well anyway. Her journey takes her from the streets to a club environment where more money can be earned, but there are many obstacles in her way along her path to achieving her goal. There are many questions, too, the film unafraid to touch upon social issues, and Ducrocq is also not scared to present it all up there on the screen.
There is not one scene where sex work is either glamourised, or looked down upon, a balance that is tricky to depict, but Ducrocq absolutely nails it.
The film’s biggest asset is Calamy who is so good in the lead. It’s a stunning, brave turn and she is an absolute joy to watch throughout. The scenes with her as Marie, and her son, are the real beating heart of the movie, and are wonderfully acted from the earlier, edgier scenes, through to the more heartfelt climax.
All in all, a superb drama that is less about what you think it might be about, and more about the uncompromising bond between a parent and child where one is willing to go for the other.
Her Way was reviewed at the 2021 Tallin Black Nights Film Festival.
Her Way
Summary
An absolute gem of a family drama focussing on the pressures of a single mother looking out for her wayward son as he attempts to find his path in life.
