"Visiting Hours" (original title: "La Prisonnière de Bordeaux") is a 2024 French drama directed by Patricia Mazuy. The film explores the unlikely friendship between two women from different social backgrounds, united by their shared experiences visiting their incarcerated partners.
About the Film:
The narrative centers on Alma, portrayed by Isabelle Huppert, a wealthy woman living alone in a large townhouse, and Mina, played by Hafsia Herzi, a single mother from a housing project in another city. Both women have structured their lives around visiting their respective partners in prison. Their paths cross in the waiting room outside the visiting area, leading to an unexpected bond that challenges societal norms and personal prejudices.
Themes:
Class Divide: The film delves into the disparities between social classes, highlighting the preconceived notions and biases that exist, and how shared experiences can bridge these gaps.
Female Solidarity: It emphasizes the strength and resilience that emerge when women support each other, especially in challenging circumstances.
Isolation and Connection: The story portrays the isolation felt by individuals due to societal judgments and personal circumstances, and how human connection serves as a remedy.
Awards:
"Visiting Hours" premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, receiving critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and powerful performances. 3 nominations international film festivals.
Reviews:
Critics have lauded the film for its subtle exploration of complex themes and the compelling performances of its lead actresses. Cineuropa praised it as "a psychological film from a female perspective, peppered with insignificant little moments and discussions which carefully spin a yarn unspooling around the theme of mutual release."
Cineuropa. Screen Daily described it as an "offbeat drama which charts an unlikely friendship between two women."
Production: Rectangle Productions, Picseyes, Arte France Cinéma
The film's production design effectively contrasts the differing worlds of Alma and Mina, enhancing the narrative's exploration of class differences. The cinematography by Simon Beaufils captures the intimate and confined spaces of the prison visiting rooms, emphasizing the characters' emotional states.
Distribution:
"Visiting Hours" was released in France on August 28, 2024. International sales are managed by Les Films du Losange. The film has been showcased at various international film festivals, expanding its reach to a global audience.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30851085/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/462451/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/la-prisonniere-de-bordeaux (France)