Leïla Bekhti delivers a poignant performance in “My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan,” portraying a mother committed to ensuring her son, born with a disability, leads a fulfilling life. Based on Roland Perez’s autobiographical novel, the film explores themes of motherhood, resilience, and the emotional bond between a mother and her child. Featuring a notable cast, it humorously and touchingly narrates Esther’s journey, culminating in a tribute to all mothers and their unwavering strength.
Leïla Bekhti Takes on a Heartfelt Role in “My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan”
Following her powerful performance in “La Nouvelle Femme,” where she portrayed a mother grappling with her daughter’s disability, Leïla Bekhti shines once again in Ken Scott’s latest film, “My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan.” This time, she embodies a devoted mother determined to secure a normal life for her son, who also faces challenges due to a disability. The cast includes notable talents such as Jonathan Cohen, Joséphine Japy, Jeanne Balibar, Lionel Dray, young Naïm Naji, Milo Machado-Graner, and Anne Le Ny.
Based on Roland Perez’s autobiographical novel, the film begins its journey in 1963 with Esther (played by Bekhti) welcoming her son Roland, born with a clubfoot that hinders his ability to stand. Despite the skepticism of those around her, Esther vows that her son will walk and lead a fulfilling life. From that moment forward, she dedicates herself to fulfilling this promise. Over the years, the film unfolds a true, funny, and poignant story that illustrates an extraordinary journey and the unparalleled love of a mother for her child.
A Unique Dynamic Between Bekhti and Cohen
In the film, young Naïm Naji portrays Roland during his childhood, while Jonathan Cohen takes on the role of the adult Roland. Leïla Bekhti portrays Esther from her 30s all the way to her 85th birthday. Having previously shared screen time in “La Flamme” and “Le Flambeau,” this film sees Bekhti transition into the role of Cohen’s mother, which presented its own set of challenges. She expresses her thoughts in the press kit: “I’ll never forget the first day on set. There was a lot of nervousness. In real life, we are very close friends, yet we needed to establish a mother-son dynamic from scratch.”
She continues, “The benefit of collaborating with someone so familiar is that we understand each other deeply. Leading up to filming, we spent time together to find the right balance in our portrayal. When we reunited on that first day, I had aged up with makeup, and strangely, when our eyes met, the connection felt almost instinctual.” Jonathan Cohen shared his perspective, noting the initial challenge but ultimately finding the portrayal to unfold naturally, with the makeup playing a supporting role in their transformation.
He remarks, “Leïla is like a sister to me. When we act together, we are attentive and engaged, constantly watching one another.”
A Tribute to Motherhood and Resilience
Beyond the challenge of portraying aging, Leïla Bekhti’s role as Esther stands out as one of the most remarkable of her career. This compelling and emotional performance showcases her versatility as an actress. Known for her role in “Sens de la famille,” Bekhti has recently opened up about her struggles with motherhood, demonstrating her ability to deliver a sincere and intense performance in this film. The universal appeal of Esther’s character lies in her journey through uncertainty and self-discovery, revealing a strength she never knew she possessed.
Bekhti highlights the film’s broader message, noting that Roland Perez’s narrative pays homage to all mothers: “Esther embodies the extraordinary. Her nature is both complex and humorous, intense yet whole, and above all, courageous. This character’s depth inspired me immensely as both an actress and a mother.” She adds, “Roland wrote this book to honor his mother, and in doing so, he has allowed me to pay tribute to all mothers, including mine. Deep down, mothers are superheroes without capes, whose unwavering belief can inspire resilience.”
As the title suggests, the film also features the legendary singer Sylvie Vartan, who plays herself, significantly influencing Roland’s life. The film spans 50 years, illustrating the profound impact Vartan had on Roland and his family.
Roland Perez reflects, “During my eighteen months of treatment, I was confined to bed, drawn to the television and Sylvie’s captivating presence. Her songs taught me to read and write.” He affectionately describes her as his “medicine” and a significant part of his life, revealing his deep admiration for her. Despite being an ardent fan, Roland’s career evolved to become Sylvie Vartan’s lawyer, with his mother playing a pivotal role in fostering that connection.
The film humorously and touchingly explores the complexities of motherhood, showcasing Esther’s unwavering dedication to securing a fulfilling life for her son. As Roland grows, the perception of his mother transforms, illustrating the evolving dynamics between them over the years.
Roland Perez concludes, “I had never spoken about my disability until after my mother’s passing. I wanted to share this story not just in her memory but also to honor all the mothers who silently fight for their children. I aimed to provide courage and hope, all while capturing my mother’s incredible humor.”
Don’t miss “My Mother, God, and Sylvie Vartan” in theaters—just remember to bring tissues!