A story that revolves around Clemence who’s in the final stage of her political career as a Mayor of Parisian suburbs.
“Promises” utilizes relevant themes, like the public’s dwindling faith in the political system, and their representatives are more concerned with their own status or ascension. Unfortunately, Writer/Director Thomas Kruithof’s screenplay leaves out any tactile socio-politics for much-needed clarity.
Clémence (Isabelle Huppert) is the Mayor of a small town in the Parisian suburbs facing the end of her term. Along with her chief of staff, Yazid (Reda Kateb), the pair deal with their constituent’s various issues. Their constituents are made up of mostly immigrants who reside in a gargantuan social housing complex that is falling apart. Clémence has the common touch, popular among her voters facing issues like poverty and unemployment. Clémence is not popular with the housing complex’s negligent slumlords. She is determined to get the building renovated, but after an offer for Clémence to step up as minister arrives – she must choose to stand for the community or focus on her own political ambitions. Clémence encourages Naidra, a younger woman of color, to run for Mayor. Yazid begins consulting Naidra and is excited for a fresh voice in local politics. After Clémence’s first meeting with the Prime Minister doesn’t pan out, she meets with his aide, who warns her that she won’t be representing people, but only focused on the Prime Minister. Yazid becomes torn when Clémence announces she’s running for re-election – stick with his oldest colleague or help Naidra.
Clémence and Yazid are fully fleshed-out characters but Kruithof holds a narrow scope of the constituents’ daily lives. I’m familiar with France and some of its politics, but at times, I was confused. While the film’s portrayal of public servants helping themselves instead of their voters is both universal and compelling, the ending was unrealistic.
“Promises” recently opened the Orizzonti Line-Up at the 78th 2021 Venice Film Festival
