The Broken Circle Breakdown

In the picturesque city of Ghent, in Belgium's Flemish Region, the narrative unfolds over seven momentous years, as the lives of Didier (Johan Heldenbergh) and Elise (Veerle Baetens) become inextricably linked through their shared passion for bluegrass music. Their chance encounter at her tattoo parlour leads to a serendipitous invitation to witness his band's performance, and it isn't long before they succumb to the intoxicating allure of love. As Didier discovers Elise's remarkable vocal talents, she joins his bluegrass ensemble as their new lead singer, and the couple's joy is palpable as they navigate the ups and downs of life together. The arrival of their daughter Maybelle brings an added layer of bliss, as they bask in the success of their band.

However, their idyllic existence is brutally shattered when Maybelle, now six years old, is diagnosed with a debilitating illness that rapidly ravages her young body. As she succumbs to her condition within a year, the devastating impact on Didier and Elise's relationship and lives becomes all too apparent. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Didier finds solace in the empirical pursuits of scientism, his faith shaken by George W. Bush's decision to restrict embryonic stem cell research under pressure from creationists and anti-abortion advocates. Meanwhile, Elise seeks comfort in the mysteries of spiritualism and reincarnation.

As time passes, the couple grows increasingly estranged, their once-strong bond now fraying at the edges. The strain finally becomes unbearable when Elise attempts to escape her grief through a desperate act of self-destruction. Rushed to the hospital, she is found braindead, leaving Didier with an impossible decision. In a poignant conclusion, the band gathers around Elise's deathbed, their music a testament to the enduring power of love and loss.