TIFF 2024: The Courageous (by Jasmin Gordon) | Review
Jasmin Gordon’s The Courageous, which premiered in TIFF’s Discovery section this year, places Ophélia Kolb in the spotlight, redefining motherhood by challenging the traditional and societal expectations placed on women.
Jule places a store-bought cake into a cake pan, trims off the excess pieces, and presents it as if it were homemade. She sprinkles some flour on the table to further the illusion of a self-made creation, then adds a candle to the cake as a finishing touch. She brings it into the room, where her three kids are happily hopping on the bed, waiting for the celebration. As Jule lights the candle and dances with her children, her smile fades for a moment. A sobering reality dawns on her—her joy is short-lived, and the challenges she has been facing in her tumultuous life may prove even more formidable.
This is not a pleasant tale, but a portrayal of a rebellious woman trapped in a sociopolitical structure. Forty-year-old Jule (Ophélia Kolb) is a single mother of three—Claire, Loïc, and Sami, ages 10, 8, and 6, respectively. The kids are at an age that demands constant care—meticulous and continuous attention that must be maintained. Yet Jule takes them to a restaurant and tells them she’ll be back in five minutes. Time ticks by, hours pass, and the children find their own way home. Later, Jule returns to check on them and is relieved to find them safe. As strange as this seems, it’s just the beginning of the unraveling of Jule’s true intentions.
What appears to be a reimagining of Koreeda’s Nobody Knows is not the true trajectory of the film. Director Jasmin Gordon takes us on a bumpy yet unconventional journey, challenging traditional views of motherhood, particularly the notion that mothers must prioritize domestic duties over their own needs. In Jule, we see a woman suffering from what could be described as “depleted mother syndrome,” where the relentless challenges she faces chip away at her resilience. She tries her best to be the perfect mother, tackling her role with determination and creativity. Despite her financial struggles, a byproduct of a rigid social hierarchy, Jule’s resourcefulness is on full display.
The film questions the moral foundations of the financial aid system, highlighting its unfavorable terms and bureaucratic procedures that make survival even harder. Regarding the children, Claire is beginning to understand the difficulties her mother faces and is gradually asking mature, pertinent questions. These questions reflect the deep bond between mother and child, a mutual expression of love. At the same time, Jule’s decision to conceal her motives suggests she has strong ethical and protective instincts when it comes to her children. Ophélia Kolb conveys Jule’s rage, resilience, and love with a depth and intensity that showcases her considerable talent.
The Courageous, true to its title, is an audacious film that presents an unconventional view of motherhood within a patriarchal framework, amidst chaos and societal taboos. It’s a transformative experience that highlights women like Jule, who are catalysts for change amidst the biased expectations placed upon them. This may divide viewers’ perspectives. Jasmin Gordon’s feminist approach aligns with modern societal values, emphasizing self-love as the crucial middle ground between family and individual well-being—essential for maintaining family cohesion. Yet, just as nature’s gentle murmurs welcome Jule, her presence is that of a loving mother who wishes for peace in her life—a wish that, in today’s society, is both humane and difficult to attain.
Explore our coverage of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival here.
