Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s ‘Soudain’ explores dignity in elderly care

The film ‘Soudain’, directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, has been released in theaters. The drama features an international cast, starring Virginie Efira as Marie-Lou, a director of a French nursing home (Ehpad), and Tao Okamoto as Mari, a Japanese theater director.

The narrative explores themes of dignity, care, and human connection in the context of elderly care. Marie-Lou attempts to implement ‘humanitude’, a philosophy of care based on active listening and respect, which faces resistance from staff and the constraints of limited financial and human resources. The plot centers on the profound friendship that develops between the two women, particularly as Mari faces a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Following its selection at the Cannes Film Festival, where Efira and Okamoto shared the award for Best Actress, the film has been noted for its ambitious runtime of over three hours and its philosophical exploration of life, death, and the importance of attention to others.