“The Courageous (Les Courageux)” is a deeply moving exploration of motherhood, struggle, and the inescapable weight of past mistakes. Directed by Jasmin Gordon, this debut feature captures the quiet yet intense battle of a woman trying to navigate life’s daily challenges, all while protecting her children from the harsh realities that embody her very existence.
Single mother Jule (Ophélia Kolb) dreams of nothing more than a stable existence for her young family. Her three kids have learned to take care of each other, especially since their mom has a tendency to disappear for hours at a time. When the opportunity to purchase a home arises, Jule is determined to make her dream a reality. But with a societal system that seems set up to insure she fails, it won’t be easy.
This is a story about inequality and socioeconomic challenges that single parents often face, especially as they exist in a world that makes it nearly impossible to get a leg up. Jule is a complex character who is both sympathetic yet highly frustrating. It’s admirable that she works so hard to create a stable life for her children, and she presents herself as a loving mother with a creative knack for storytelling (which is a must to shield her kids from the dire reality of their situation). As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Jule is a woman trapped by her past. As she makes increasingly questionable decisions, it causes her to spiral further into a cycle of misfortune.
This duality that stems from Gordon’s refusal to paint Jule as either a clear hero or a villain makes the impact of her story so much stronger. The film provides subtle clues about how Jule got into her current situation, including her history with theft, her inability to hold down a job, and her pride that keeps her from seeking help. She is a character who is both deserving of compassion yet subject to fair criticism, creating a nuanced portrait of a person who, despite her best intentions, cannot seem to break free from her self-destructive tendencies. The film let me step into Jule’s shoes and feel the weight of her decisions, while also understanding the difficult circumstances that led her there.
The film does a lot of things well, including its ability to challenge perceptions of motherhood and morality. Jule’s actions are sometimes morally questionable, but the film goes a long way in exploring the circumstances that push people to make desperate choices. This exploration of the fragility of freedom, particularly for those living in poverty, makes the film a thought-provoking and socially relevant piece with a lot of depth.
With a story of survival and the weight of the past, “The Courageous” is a poignant and introspective film that has a lot to say, and it does it so very well.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 