The New York Times has published an article listing the 25 best films of the 21st century: L’Enfant is one of them.
The prestigious American daily considers that these 25 films are by far the best of the 21st century. Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s L’Enfant comes in 14th place. These directors’ influence on many others (journalists often cite Kelly Reichardt’s Wendy and Lucy (2008) and Abderrahmane Sissako’s Timbuktu (2015) which are also on this list) is mentioned, as well as the narrative process they follow: the stories appear relatively simple, but the narrative issues are always profound.
L’Enfant tells the story of Bruno, aged twenty and Sonia, eighteen. They live on the benefits Sonia receives and thefts committed by Bruno and the kids in his gang. Sonia has just given birth to their child, Jimmy. How can Bruno, who is so flighty, lives in the moment and cares only about money from his scams, become the child’s father?
L’Enfant won the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival in 2005. Jérémie Renier and Déborah François play the leading roles.
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