Two Days, One Night

The Gist: After a sick leave, just when she's ready to go back to work, a woman is informed that her coworkers were asked to pick between her keeping her job or them receiving a bonus thanks to the financial savings derived from her dismissal. Having secured the go ahead for a new vote, she only has a weekend to convince a majority of her coworkers to give up their bonus and allow her to keep her job.

Such a small cinematic gem, so simple in its inception and yet so riveting. It goes to show that you don't need millions of dollars in sets, costumes, makeup, and visual effects. All you really need is a good story, well written, and perfectly delivered.

Marion Cotillard plays the woman caught in an impossible situation with understatement and a striking physical determination. The handsome Fabrizio Rongione plays the loving husband determined not to see his wife struck down by events beyond her control.

The Bottom Line: Two Days, One Night is a great indie production that should satisfy any cinema lover. Cotillard is a spellbinding.

Grade: 8