The new French language film FULL TIME illuminates just how thin the line between getting by and poverty can be for some families in this moment. The movie follows a chaotic week in the life of single mother Julie, played by acclaimed French actor Laure Calamy. Divorced with two young children, Julie tries to maintain a stable household in the suburbs while she works as the head chambermaid for a 5-star hotel in Paris. That already challenging existence takes a turn toward full-blown mayhem due to a combination of factors.
Director Eric Gravel presents the story of this struggling single mom in the form of a thriller. The film moves at a frenetic pace, as we watch Julie lift mountains to get to work, then to sneak away for a job interview and then try to get back home to feed and bathe her children. There’s no rest for the weary, and we the viewers don’t get a moment to catch our breath either.
It’s very similar in style to the Safdie brother’s work. Ben and Josh Safdie are the creative team behind break-neck thrillers GOOD TIME and UNCUT GEMS. Both films relish putting audiences on the edges of their seat from the moment they start. Here the stakes would seem to be lower, there’s no crime or vices involved, Julie is literally just trying to survive and a realistic turn of events has sent her spiraling.
Gravel has crafted a masterful work that slyly grabs your attention and wins your affection for a character who, despite numerous and growing obstacles, keeps moving forward. Calamy is fantastic in the role, balancing multiple balls in the air while standing on a tightrope. She won the Best Actress award at the 2021 Venice Film Festival for her performance as Julie.
Gary highly recommends FULL TIME, giving it 3.5 out of 4 stars. It’s currently playing in Chicago at the Music Box Theater through Thursday Feb 16.
