On Sunday, March 23, 2025, France 2 will air the much-anticipated comedy film Larguées at 21:10, a heartwarming and humorous adventure featuring the talented trio of Miou-Miou, Camille Cottin, and Camille Chamoux. The film tells the story of two sisters, Rose and Alice, who embark on a mission to lift the spirits of their mother, Françoise, after she is left by their father for a younger woman. This engaging and relatable narrative captures the complexities of familial relationships, love, and self-discovery, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of La Réunion.
The character-driven plot centers around Françoise, played by the iconic Miou-Miou, and her daughters, Rose (Camille Cottin), a free-spirited and rock 'n' roll type, and Alice (Camille Chamoux), who embodies a more responsible and structured personality. The contrast between the sisters adds a rich layer of humor and relatability, as they navigate their differences in parenting styles and life choices. Françoise's plight is one many can relate to – dealing with the unsettling reality of a new chapter in life after her husband’s abrupt departure. As the sisters rally together to take their mother on a much-needed vacation to La Réunion, they hope to rekindle her joy and sense of adventure.
The choice of La Réunion as the film's setting is significant; Éloïse Lange, the director, expressed that she wanted a location that would visually represent the rejuvenating experience they desired for the family. "The goal was to cheer up their mother, so I dismissed places like the Belgian coast, even though they are charming," Lange explained. "I began thinking of the Caribbean but was convinced by my producers about La Réunion’s volcanic beauty and lush landscapes. Upon visiting, I was struck by its authentic ambiance; this wasn’t just another mass tourism spot—every location felt genuine and alive. I was excited by how reality began to match my imaginative vision for the film," she added.
In creating Larguées, Lange adapted the story from the Danish film All Inclusive by Hella Joof, which further emphasizes the universal themes of vacationing, family dynamics, and personal growth. The director has remarked, "It’s really the idea of putting together a mother-daughter trio that captivated me. I have two sisters who are nothing alike, yet we all share a close bond with our mother. As I crafted the script, I realized, ‘Write what you know’ truly resonates with my experiences about aging as a woman and finding one’s place within a family," capturing the essence of the film beautifully.
Filming took place in various scenic locations across La Réunion, requiring personal commitment from the cast and crew. One of the standout moments involved Miou-Miou tackling a particularly challenging scene where she had to convincingly portray a lifeless body floating in the water. Despite the vibrant atmosphere on set, the beloved actress initially struggled with this task. "At first, I was having a tough time; I found it vexing not to perform the scene without a double. But with some practice, I eventually learned that to achieve the desired effect of being a starfish, I simply needed to relax and let go!" she shared, reflecting her journey to master the scene.
The unique energy between Miou-Miou, Cottin, and Chamoux has garnered attention, as the trio often gets swept up in comedic mishaps that follow them throughout their vacation. Their time at the resort, dotted with colorful characters like Lily, a naïve activity leader, Romain, an outrageous fitness instructor, and Thierry, a smooth-talking bartender, adds even more flavor to the storyline, promising laughter and poignant moments alike.
Since its release in 2018, Larguées has not only appealed to audiences for its relatable content but has also achieved critical acclaim, winning two awards at the Alpe d’Huez Festival in 2018: the Audience Award and Best Actress for Camille Cottin. The film resonated with viewers due to its poignant exploration of family relationships within a comedic framework, encouraging a reflection on the essence of connection and love through shared experiences. As such, it showcases the highs and lows of familial bonds and the importance of support and laughter during tough times.
In summary, Larguées serves as a reminder of the healing power of laughter and the significant role families play in overcoming adversity. With characters that feel familiar and situations that are relatable, the film invites viewers to explore life’s intersections of love, loss, and joy—all set within the enchanting landscapes of La Réunion. So mark your calendars for a heartfelt journey filled with humor, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia.
