Paul Théraneau, socialist mayor of Lyon, is tired. He has not yet lapsed into cynicism, but is now only on autopilot. He tries to rekindle the flame of political commitment by turning to Alice Heimann, a young and brilliant philosopher. With her he begins to rediscover his faith. The young woman soon proves to be indispensable and arouses jealousies in the mayor's entourage... The film delicately weaves a narrative around the unlikely relationship between Alice and Théraneau. Despite her lack of political experience, Alice's fresh perspective challenges the routine and lackluster approach in politics. Their interactions evolve into a philosophical discourse, blurring the lines between a professional relationship and friendship. The story reaches a climax when Théraneau appoints Alice to lead the "Lyon 2500" project, a key part of his presidential campaign. Critics laud the movie for its elegant tragicomic tone, brilliantly executed by Luchini and Demoustier. Praising its sharp dialogues that critique intellectual mediocrity and routine thinking, focusing less on French society and more on breaking the stagnation in political systems. Director Pariser's choice to shoot on 35mm film adds a distinct texture to the film, underlining his narrative's focus on professional life. The film's philosophical underpinnings, brought to life by Demoustier's nuanced performance, shine a spotlight on the essential role of philosophy in politics, a message timely and thought-provoking.
After thirty years, the Mayor of Lyon is running out of ideas, and thanks to a young and brilliant philosopher, he is now getting new hope.
Paul Théraneau, socialist mayor of Lyon, is tired. He has not yet lapsed into cynicism, but is now only on autopilot. He tries to rekindle the flame of political commitment by turning to Alice Heimann, a young and brilliant philosopher. With her he begins to rediscover his faith. The young woman soon proves to be indispensable and arouses jealousies in the mayor's entourage...
The film delicately weaves a narrative around the unlikely relationship between Alice and Théraneau. Despite her lack of political experience, Alice's fresh perspective challenges the routine and lackluster approach in politics. Their interactions evolve into a philosophical discourse, blurring the lines between a professional relationship and friendship. The story reaches a climax when Théraneau appoints Alice to lead the "Lyon 2500" project, a key part of his presidential campaign.
Critics laud the movie for its elegant tragicomic tone, brilliantly executed by Luchini and Demoustier. Praising its sharp dialogues that critique intellectual mediocrity and routine thinking, focusing less on French society and more on breaking the stagnation in political systems.
Director Pariser's choice to shoot on 35mm film adds a distinct texture to the film, underlining his narrative's focus on professional life. The film's philosophical underpinnings, brought to life by Demoustier's nuanced performance, shine a spotlight on the essential role of philosophy in politics, a message timely and thought-provoking.