A Mother's Love

This is a post by JBFC Marketing Intern Stacy Zakalik

In the Name of My Daughter, a French thriller directed by André Téchiné, arrives at the Burns May 22. Based on a true story, it revolves around the fortunes of a casino, the inheritance that comes with it, the Mafia’s involvement, and the disappearance of a young woman.

In 1976, Agnes Le Roux (Adèle Haenel) comes home to live with her mother, Renee Le Roux (Catherine Deneuve), who owns the Palais de La Mediterranee casino in Nice. At first Agnes tries to make her own way, opening up a bookstore and moving out. But soon she is displeased with the outcome, and wants the money she believes Renee owes her. Teaming up with Maurice Agnelet (Guillaume Canet), who becomes furious when he is not given a position of power in the casino, the two try to take down Renee together.

Renee, though, is having her own problems with the Mafia trying to buy out her crumbling casino empire. But the story focuses more on Agnes and Agnelet. Agnelet convinces Agnes to betray her mother so that she can receive the money she believes it rightfully hers. The scenes of betrayal are absolutely devastating and brilliantly played by Haenel and Deneuve.

The movie is very well acted, Haenel and Deneuve giving the best performances. Denueve, as Renee, plays very well a mother’s broken heart over the betrayal of her daughter. The film mainly focuses on the facts of this true story, instead of taking dramatic license, something that does not hurt it in the long run. It is an exciting and thrilling feature that should definitely not be missed.

Tickets are on sale now!

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