The Midwife
The Midwife

Movie spotlight

The Midwife

2017
Movie
117 min
French

Claire is a midwife and has devoted her life to others. At a moment when she is preoccupied by the imminent closure of the maternity clinic where she works, her life is further turned upside down when Béatrice, her father's former mistress, turns up on the scene. Béatrice is a capricious and selfish woman, Claire's exact opposite.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Google Users75%
Director: Martin ProvostGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In Paris, Claire, a gifted midwife, is struggling to adapt to modern medical practices. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Béatrice, the estranged wife of her late father, reappears after years of absence. Béatrice is flamboyant and irresponsible, a stark contrast to Claire's reserved and dedicated nature. As they are forced to reconnect, old wounds and secrets resurface, leading Claire to confront her past and her identity.

Critical Reception

The Midwife was generally well-received by critics, who praised the performances of its lead actresses, Catherine Frot and Catherine Deneuve, and the film's emotional depth. The narrative, exploring themes of family, memory, and reconciliation, resonated with audiences, though some found its pacing to be slow. It was particularly lauded in France, where it was a commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the compelling performances of Catherine Frot and Catherine Deneuve.

  • The film is noted for its sensitive exploration of family dynamics and reconciliation.

  • Some critics found the narrative to be somewhat predictable or slow-paced.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's touching story and the strong chemistry between the two lead actresses. Many viewers found the movie to be a moving portrayal of complicated family relationships and personal growth.

Awards & Accolades

Catherine Frot won the César Award for Best Actress for her role. The film received multiple César nominations, including Best Film and Best Actress for Catherine Deneuve.

Fun Fact

The role of Claire was originally written with actress Sandrine Bonnaire in mind before Catherine Frot was cast.

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