This Wednesday, the film *On ira* makes its theatrical debut, boasting a strong audience rating of 4.3 out of 5. Directed by Enya Baroux, the film explores assisted suicide through a personal lens, inspired by her relationship with her grandmother. After seven years in development, Baroux aims to address end-of-life choices with a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. The film also engages with significant societal issues and is set to be featured at the National Assembly.
This Wednesday marks the theatrical release of On ira, a film that has already garnered an impressive audience rating of 4.3 out of 5, thanks to a series of engaging previews and positive buzz.
In her debut feature, director Enya Baroux delves into the sensitive theme of assisted suicide and the support provided during life’s final moments. During promotional events, Baroux shared that the film is a heartfelt tribute to her beloved grandmother, a relationship that deeply influenced the narrative.
After seven years of dedicated development, On ira emerges as a fictional tale inspired by Baroux’s personal experiences with her grandmother. The filmmaker remarked, “When I lost my grandmother, our close bond compelled me to create a film that reflected her life. Initially, the direction was unclear, but through the grieving process, I realized that I could explore this universal subject with a touch of humor.”
A Heartfelt Tribute Through Fiction
Baroux recounts her collaboration with her friend, co-screenwriter, and producer Martin Darondeau, who encouraged her to pursue this project. “I envisioned a road trip where a grandmother decides to embark on one last journey with her family instead of opting for treatment,” she explained.
She elaborated on her grandmother’s experience, stating, “After suffering from cancer, her last days in the hospital were distressing. Witnessing such a resilient woman reduced to a state of dependency was traumatizing for me.” With On ira, Baroux aimed to reimagine a different conclusion for her grandmother’s story while exploring the options available within the French healthcare system regarding end-of-life choices. “The film’s protagonist, Marie, ultimately seeks a chosen death,” she revealed.
Baroux aspired to maintain a lighthearted and uplifting tone throughout the film, despite its serious subject matter. “This is a comedy that captures the spectrum of life’s moments, from laughter to sadness,” she said. She recalled a joyful ceremony held in her grandmother’s honor, where she delivered a humorous speech, adding, “Laughter during tough times is a wonderful way to cope, and that’s the experience we hope to evoke in our audience.”
During her appearance on C à vous, Baroux mentioned, “My grandmother championed the freedom to choose her end of life, though she never acted on it. Through the art of cinema, I aimed to craft a more fitting narrative for her final chapter.”
While rooted in fiction, On ira engages with significant societal issues, sparking vital conversations about end-of-life choices. The film is set to be showcased at the National Assembly, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary discussions.
Baroux acknowledged the film’s activist nature, noting, “In writing this story, I connected with the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity (ADMD) to ensure accuracy. Although I may have infused some poetic elements, my intent was to foster dialogue. The core question remains: How can one freely choose their end of life?”
On ira is now screening in theaters, inviting audiences to reflect on this poignant journey.