"Days of Happiness" (French: "Les jours heureux") is a 2023 Canadian drama film written and directed by Chloé Robichaud. The film stars Sophie Desmarais as Emma, a talented orchestra conductor navigating complex personal and professional relationships. Her father and agent, Patrick (Sylvain Marcel), exerts a controlling influence over her career, while she embarks on a romantic relationship with Naëlle (Nour Belkhiria), a recently separated cellist and mother. As Emma contemplates a significant career opportunity with a prestigious orchestra, she must confront her emotions and make pivotal decisions about her future.
Themes:
Parental Influence and Control: The film explores the dynamics of Emma's relationship with her father, who doubles as her agent, highlighting issues of control and autonomy.
Professional Ambition vs. Personal Fulfillment: Emma's journey reflects the tension between pursuing a demanding career and seeking personal happiness, particularly in the context of her romantic involvement with Naëlle.
Self-Discovery and Empowerment: Emma's experiences underscore themes of self-discovery as she strives to assert her independence and make choices that align with her true desires.
Awards, and Nominations: 5 nominations
As of January 2025, "Days of Happiness" has garnered critical acclaim and featured in several film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023. While specific award nominations and wins are not detailed in the available sources, the film's reception suggests it has been well-received within the festival circuit.
Critical Reception:
The film has been praised for its nuanced storytelling and strong performances, particularly by Sophie Desmarais. Critics have noted the film's meticulous attention to detail and its portrayal of complex female characters. For instance, Shedoesthecity.com described it as a "deeply moving triumph," highlighting its impact on both the film and music industries.
She Does The City
Box Office Performance:
Specific box office figures for "Days of Happiness" are not readily available. However, its screenings at prominent film festivals and positive critical reception indicate a favorable response from audiences and critics alike.
Production Details:
Directed and written by Chloé Robichaud, the film features a cast including Sophie Desmarais, Sylvain Marcel, Nour Belkhiria, Maude Guérin, and Vincent Leclerc. The production was managed by Item 7, with Pierre Even serving as the producer. The film showcases the Montreal music scene, with scenes featuring members of the real Montreal Orchestre Métropolitain, adding authenticity to its portrayal of the orchestral world.
Item7
Production Companies and Distributors:
Production Company:
Item 7
Distributor:
Maison 4:3
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19860724/
Link Review: https://thefilmstage.com/tiff-review-days-of-happiness-brings-a-crescendo-of-catharsis/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/les-jours-heureux (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/les-jours-heureux (Spain)