Two Days, One Night

This affecting drama from Belgian filmmaking brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne features enough suspense that it's tempting to call it a socioeconomic thriller. Set in a working-class community in Belgium, the story revolves around stressed-out wife and mother Sandra (Oscar nominee Marion Cotillard), who is returning from medical leave—during which she was treated for depression—only to discover that her job at a solar-panel company has been eliminated. During her absence, the company offered Sandra's 16 co-workers a choice: if Sandra's job is axed, each will receive a bonus of 1,000 euros, but if they agree to forgo the extra cash, Sandra can return. A vote has already been taken, but a friend of Sandra's convinces the boss to hold another on Monday. Encouraged by her stolid, supportive husband (Fabrizio Rongione), Sandra must try to persuade her cash-strapped colleagues in hopes of saving her job. Will the majority agree to make this personal sacrifice on her behalf? Embodying weary, worried Sandra, Cotillard radiates tearful anxiety, swallowing her pride (along with large quantities of Xanax), while pleading for her peers' pity (and grasping at each shred of hope) during the weekend-long crusade. A solid neorealist drama that poses an intriguing ethical dilemma, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include an interview with filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (52 min.), the Dardennes' 1979 documentary When Leon M.'s Boat Went Down the Meuse for the First Time (40 min.), a location tour with the Dardennes (37 min.), an interview with costars Marion Cotillard and Fabrizio Rongione (23 min.), “The Dardennes on Leon M.'s Boat” interview (21 min.), a “To Be an I” video essay by critic Kent Jones (9 min.), a trailer, and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Girish Shambu. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a winning drama.] (S. Granger)