Enya Baroux, the director and writer of the film "On ira," presents her debut work, released on March 12, 2025. The film tackles the sensitive subject of euthanasia and the complex emotions surrounding end-of-life choices. It is presented through the lens of humor and sincerity as four characters undertake one final road trip, creating moments of reflection, tension, and intimacy.
The narrative follows Marie, played by veteran actress Hélène Vincent, an 80-year-old woman who has lost her lust for life due to terminal illness. Facing the prospect of her own mortality and wishing to end her life on her own terms, she decides to travel to Switzerland to access assisted suicide. To conceal her true intentions, she fabricates a story about retrieving family inheritance, engaging her son Bruno and granddaughter Anna, along with her caregiver Rudy, played by Pierre Lottin, to accompany her on this poignant voyage.
The characters are not just companions on this emotional road trip; they symbolize the various struggles with communication, family ties, and the difficult realities of age and illness. The lives of these characters unravel throughout their travels as they navigate the road trip's physical and emotional landscapes.
Enya Baroux stated, "En l’écrivant, je me suis rapprochée de l’Association pour le Droit de Mourir dans la Dignité (ADMD) afin de vérifier que je ne m’éloignais pas de leur réalité," highlighting her commitment to authenticity and sensitivity on this delicate issue.
Rudy, the caregiver, who is seen as slightly unprepared for the task, brings comic relief to the narrative, contrasting with Marie's grave situation. His character, marked by endearing clumsiness, and Marie’s demeanor serve to create laughter amid poignant moments, making for powerful storytelling.
Joined by her son Bruno, needlessly irresponsible yet relatable, played by David Ayala, the film captures moments of candid family dialogue mixed with the harsh realities of adult life. Bruno, struggling post-divorce, embodies the tension between desire and responsibility as he grapples with adult challenges. His interactions with Marie urge viewers to reflect on their familial obligations and the meaning of care as he grapples with his mother’s decision.
Juliette Gasquet, portrays Anna, examines her relationship with Marie, exploring themes of adolescence, loss, and belonging. Anna’s quest for family connection juxtaposed with their shared difficulties adds depth to the emotional ebb and flow of the film. Gasquet's quote encapsulates this beautifully, stating, "Je n’avais jamais vu une comédie dramatique aussi profonde et intelligente où l’on se surprend à voir couler des larmes sur les sourires,” underscoring the film’s multifaceted emotional experience.
The film emerges not just as a narrative about end-of-life decisions but as commentary on how society views aging and terminal illness. With varying humorous situations, the work encourages viewers to confront uncomfortable conversations surrounding mortality without resorting to cliché solemnity. Baroux draws inspiration from films like "Little Miss Sunshine," blending humor with poignant moments, creating spaces for laughter amid the sorrowful reality of life and death.
"On ira" will serve not only as entertainment but as groundwork for future discussions on euthanasia, urging society to engage with these pressing subjects. Following its release, Enya Baroux is set to present her film at the National Assembly on March 18, 2025. This event coincides with upcoming discussions on legislation pertaining to palliative care and assisted dying scheduled for May, marking the film's significance at this sociopolitical juncture.
Through adept direction and heartfelt performances, "On ira" skillfully navigates the intertwining of humor, tenderness, and pressing social discourse, posing poignant questions about dignity, choice, and love. It's not merely entertainment; it is also a thoughtful exploration of how we support our elders, as Baroux's experiences with her late grandmother echo powerfully throughout the film's narrative. With each character's multilayered portrayal, viewers are left to contemplate not just the ending of life but the richness of the emotional journeys they undertake together.