family stories and reflections on death in “Under the carpet”

How to resolve the sudden death of a loved one? This is the question posed by the tragic comedy Under the carpet, by Camile Japy. The story of a woman in love, not ready to grieve. She hides her husband under the bed, and begins to lie to her children and grandchildren. All are gathered in the family home for his birthday. “What interested me was to push this denial of mourning, in fact, because it’s so painful to say goodbye to someone. And to have a character, like that, who says no. I’m not ready, I want some time, love time”explains Camille Japy, screenwriter and director of the film.

How our Western societies apprehend death

When a little girl finally finds the body, each other’s personalities are revealed, for better or for worse. This impossible mourning will remove the unsaid, and immerse a paralyzing family secret for mother and daughter. Oscillating between smiles and tears, the film questions the way our Western societies apprehend death and funerals. “Why don’t we somehow celebrate our dead, say goodbye to them in a poetic, even romantic way?”underlines Bérénice Béjo, actress.