At 80, Marie plans to end her life in Switzerland but instead creates a story about an inheritance to take her son Bruno and granddaughter Anna on an unexpected road trip. Directed by Enya Baroux, “On ira” combines humor and emotion, exploring assisted dying with light-heartedness. The film features nostalgic pop culture elements and aims to balance comedy with serious themes, showcasing a talented ensemble cast that enhances its emotional impact.
Overview of the Film
At the age of 80, Marie has grown weary of her illness and has decided to travel to Switzerland with the intention of ending her life. However, when she must share this plan with her reckless son Bruno and her teenage granddaughter Anna, panic sets in, leading her to concoct an elaborate lie.
She fabricates an intriguing story about an inheritance waiting for her at a Swiss bank and proposes a family trip to retrieve it. Rudy, a caregiver she met just the day before, becomes an unexpected ally in this ruse, taking the family on an unplanned adventure in their old camper.
Her debut feature film, “On ira,” directed by Enya Baroux, has captured attention since its premiere at the Alpe d’Huez Comedy Festival. The film artfully blends humor, emotion, and tenderness, setting the stage for an engaging word-of-mouth reception.
Enya Baroux, known for her short film “Fleur bleue,” delves into the sensitive topic of assisted dying and end-of-life care with a touch of light-heartedness. Hélène Vincent describes the film as a serious subject approached with comedic elegance, illustrating the juxtaposition of joy and sorrow in life’s moments.
Baroux reflects on her intention to portray the laughter that can exist even in difficult times, emphasizing that while sadness is a part of life, it is also essential to find humor amidst it. She collaborates with co-writers Martin Darondeau and Philippe Barrière to strike a balance between comedy and drama without veering into the extremes of sentimentality.
In its subtlety and unique blend of tones, “On ira” draws parallels with the beloved American film “Little Miss Sunshine,” as it follows a quirky, lovable dysfunctional family on a road trip, albeit in a vintage camper filled with nostalgic 90s audio cassettes!
Echoes of Little Miss Sunshine
Hélène Vincent acknowledges the influence of “Little Miss Sunshine” when she first read the script. Enya Baroux affirms its significance as a reference point, recognizing the depth of character development and narrative intricacies in the film. She aims for a raw, authentic portrayal that allows viewers to feel like they are part of the journey, rather than mere spectators.
The film is laced with nostalgic pop culture references, featuring vintage tunes like “Voyage, voyage” by Desireless and a vibrant bowling alley scene accompanied by the iconic “Hey Baby” from “Dirty Dancing.”
Pop Culture Influences and Unique Blend
Enya Baroux elaborates on her use of pop culture references, drawing inspiration from directors like Xavier Dolan, who masterfully integrates nostalgic music into his storytelling. She expresses her desire to evoke a similar experience, allowing the audience to appreciate familiar songs in a new light.
Actress Juliette Gasquet shares her thoughts on the film’s unique approach, emphasizing its experimental nature while maintaining accessibility. Baroux expresses her belief that it’s possible to blend silly comedies with more serious themes, aiming to create a film that elicits both laughter and tears without undermining the important subject matter.
As the film unfolds, viewers are introduced to a well-crafted ensemble cast, including the talented Hélène Vincent, who delivers a poignant performance alongside Pierre Lottin, David Ayala, and the young Juliette Gasquet. Their chemistry and the depth of their characters contribute significantly to the film’s emotional resonance.