Released in theaters in April 2025, Des jours meilleurs is a dramedy directed by Elsa Bennett and Hippolyte Dard, co-written with Louis-Julien Petit. Led by Valérie Bonneton, Michèle Laroque, and Sabrina Ouazani, the film tackles the issue of female alcoholism through a story that blends humor with personal healing. It competed at the Alpe d’Huez Comedy Film Festival 2025, and will be broadcast on Canal+ on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:10 PM.
Suzanne's life takes a dramatic turn after a car accident leaves her without custody of her three children. Forced to enter an alcohol rehabilitation center, she meets Alice and Diane, two strong-willed women battling their own inner struggles. In this temporary haven where each woman tries to rebuild her life, their paths intersect, unveiling stories shaped by loss, guilt, and the hope for a fresh start.
Guided by Denis, a dedicated sports coach eager to break them out of their routine, the three women embark on an unexpected journey: taking part in the Dunes Rally in Morocco. What begins as a physical challenge quickly transforms into a collective ordeal and a step towards healing, with solidarity and trust becoming the key forces driving their journey forward.
The project emerged from the directors' desire to tackle a rarely addressed topic in film: women and alcoholism. To develop their screenplay, Elsa Bennett and Hippolyte Dard spoke with several individuals affected by this addiction, including Laurence Cottet, who publicly shares her journey to recovery. These conversations helped ground the story in real-life experiences while maintaining the tone of a dramedy.
The film features a trio of actresses with complementary profiles. Valérie Bonneton delivers a compelling performance as a woman shattered by life, trying to piece herself back together—an unusual role that diverges from her typical characters. Michèle Laroque and Sabrina Ouazani add further depth to this dynamic ensemble, while Clovis Cornillac plays the mentor tasked with preparing this unlikely team for the harsh challenge of the desert.
Filmmakers have also opted to incorporate comedic elements to provide a breath of fresh air in the story. The mix of dramatic moments and lighter scenes reflects an intention to show that rebuilding one’s life can often involve laughter and solidarity. The rally project then serves as a metaphor for the personal journey each individual must undertake to regain control of their life.
Better Days
Film | 2025
Release in theaters: April 23, 2025
TV Broadcast: Canal+ on March 10, 2026, at 9:10 PM
Dramedy | Duration: 1h44
Directed by Elsa Bennett, Hippolyte Dard | Featuring Valérie Bonneton, Michèle Laroque, Sabrina Ouazani
Original title: Des jours meilleurs
Country: France
Through this story of collective rebirth, Des jours meilleurs delves into the complex dynamics of addiction, the bonds of friendship, and the hope of starting anew. Blending a desert road-movie with a deeply human diary, the film crafts a narrative where athletic challenge becomes a metaphor for finding balance and inner peace.
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