Qui Brille au Combat is a powerful drama directed by Joséphine Japy, marking her debut as a filmmaker after a distinguished acting career. The film was featured in a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, as part of the Official Selection - Special Screenings. It was released in French theaters on December 31, 2025, and features performances by Mélanie Laurent, Pierre-Yves Cardinal, and Sarah Pachoud.
The film takes its title from the etymological meaning of the name Bertille, which roughly translates to “the one who shines in battle.” Bertille is the youngest member of the Roussier family, a child living with a severe disability that was long diagnosed unpredictably. Around her, the entire family unit carefully maintains a delicate balance, navigating a rhythm of anticipation, concern, and constant adaptation.
Madeleine and Gilles, the parents, struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy, while Marion, the eldest sister, grows up too quickly, burdened with responsibilities beyond her years. Each one navigates their daily life as best they can, caught between unconditional love and emotional exhaustion, in a reality shaped by Bertille’s fragile health.
When a new diagnosis is finally made, it shatters previous certainties and reshuffles the deck. Suddenly, this family must rethink their plans, hope, and outlook on the future, navigating a whole new horizon that emerges before them.
Qui Brille au Combat is a deeply autobiographical film. Actress Joséphine Japy drew from her own life and that of her sister, who was diagnosed as an adult with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that impacts neurological development. This personal aspect informs both the writing and directional choices, which are crafted to resonate closely with raw emotions and quiet moments.
The film also marks Joséphine Japy’s debut as a director, guiding Mélanie Laurent, whom she previously worked with as an actress in Respire (2014). The cast is further bolstered by several performers from the Comédie-Française, including Stéphane Varupenne and Birane Ba, adding strength and depth to the ensemble.
Filmed in the fall of 2024 in the south of France, the movie features a restrained directing style that focuses on bodies, gazes, and the passage of time. Joséphine Japy cites influences such as Boyhood by Richard Linklater and Lady Bird by Greta Gerwig, praising their ability to capture the personal growth of characters within a family setting.
Qui Brille au Combat
Film | 2025
Release date in theaters: December 31, 2025
Drama | Runtime: 1h40
Directed by Joséphine Japy | Starring Mélanie Laurent, Pierre-Yves Cardinal, Sarah Pachoud
Original title: Qui Brille au Combat
Country: France
Premiered as a special screening at Cannes and showcased at numerous international festivals, Qui Brille au Combat offers a heartfelt and intimate exploration of illness, sibling bonds, and parenthood. The film avoids melodrama and preachiness, instead revealing the nuanced complexities of family relationships with subtlety and depth.
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