France 2 is set to air the heartwarming film Les Vétos on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 21:10. The 2019 comedy-drama, directed by Julie Manoukian, stars Clovis Cornillac as Nico and Noémie Schmidt as Alexandra, tackling the challenges faced by veterinarians working in rural settings.
The film follows Nico, one of the last remaining veterinarians serving his remote village in the Morvan mountains. With his longtime partner, Michel, portrayed by Michel Jonasz, retiring, Nico is anxious about who will take over the practice. His worries increase when Michel introduces him to his new apprentice, Alexandra—a recent graduate who is not eager to return to her hometown.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Morvan region, the film captures the day-to-day realities and emotional challenges of veterinary work. Julie Manoukian, who drew inspiration from stories shared by rural veterinarians, highlights the pressures of the profession and the growing concern for animal welfare within the community. "My entry point to this world was always the caregivers," she noted, emphasizing the dedication required to perform such demanding jobs.
Schmidt, reflecting on her role, mentioned, "Before filming, I was prepared to perform veterinary tasks, including assisting with calving. It was emotional and intense but incredibly rewarding to show the realities of this work on screen." Cornillac, on his part, stated, "The chance to portray rural veterinarians was compelling; it sheds light on their challenges and the important role they play. I wanted to do justice to their story."
Notably, the film addresses the phenomenon of medical deserts, not just for humans but animals too. The stark reality is exemplified through Nico’s unwavering commitment to his clinic, his animal patients, and his family—all of which contribute to his overwhelming sense of duty, reflecting the often unrecognized dedication of rural veterinarians.
The casting also involved notable actors, enriching the story's depth and character dynamics. Alongside Cornillac and Schmidt, the film features Carole Franck, Matthieu Sampeur, and Juliane Lepoureau, who contribute to storytelling centered around compassion, humor, and the often underappreciated legacy of veterinary care.
The film is not simply about challenges, according to critiques. Instead, it offers viewers moments of lightheartedness and connection. A reviewer from Bulles de Culture described Les Vétos as "a genuine and endearing comedy surrounding the topic of medical deserts, engagingly portraying both the dilemmas and warmth found within community veterinary practices."
The visual storytelling draws on the natural beauty of the Morvan, which initially was not intended to be the film's principal location. Manoukian mentioned, "I had not initially set the story here, but upon visiting, we felt it was the perfect fit. It’s saturated with nature, and it resonates with the themes we wanted to evoke.">
One of the film's significant scenes—highlighting the importance of veterinary exercises—was particularly challenging to shoot. Manoukian noted, "We faced difficulties capturing the birthing scene, but it became pivotal for Alexandra's character development. Ensuring authenticity in those moments was incredibly important to me."
Reviewers have praised Les Vétos for its ability to navigate serious themes without losing the upbeat and caring atmosphere the storyline creates. It provides comic relief alongside significant issues, making it suitable for all audiences. "Despite its seriousness, the film is suffused with positive energy and thoughtfully showcases life's simple joys and struggles," said one commentator.
With the long-awaited airing on February 23 on France 2, audiences can expect not just entertainment but also awareness of the significant responsibilities and heartfelt moments shared within the veterinary profession's unique environment. Cornillac and Schmidt's performances, combined with Manoukian's heartfelt direction, are set to captivate viewers and evoke empathy for those devoted to animal care.
Available for streaming and replay on France.tv, Les Vétos promises to connect with anyone who values compassion, humor, and the intricacies of life on the fringes of rural France.