Gervaise

A slow, sobering plunge into poverty and addiction, anchored by a quietly devastating central performance.

Directed by

René Clément

Genres

Romance, Drama

Starring

Maria Schell, François Périer, Jany Holt

Overview

Gervaise Macquart is a beautiful Parisian laundress and mother whose lover, Lantier, walks out on her. She eventually marries Henri Coupeau, a roofer who has an unfortunate accident. As her now crippled husband descends into alcoholism, Gervaise tries to make ends meet on her own. Life becomes even more complicated when Lantier returns and befriends Henri. Meanwhile, the man she really loves is sent to prison.

How it feels

Bleak, melancholic, earnest and tense. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Addiction, politics, class, survival

Content

Mild violence, sexual content and language. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)