The Truth

As renowned French actress Fabienne Dangeville (Catherine Deneuve) sits down for an interview to promote her forthcoming literary endeavour, a veritable family gathering unfolds before our eyes. Her daughter, Lumir (Juliette Binoche), a talented screenwriter, and her son-in-law, Hank (Ethan Hawke), a charismatic actor, arrive alongside their precocious granddaughter, Charlotte (Clementine Grenier). The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Fabienne's manager, Luc (Alain Libolt), presents her with the film offers that have been pouring in.

Meanwhile, Lumir discovers that her mother has already printed copies of her book, a revelation that prompts Fabienne to claim she must have missed the manuscript. As night falls, Lumir immerses herself in the book's pages, only to find that its narrative is at odds with her own memories. The following day, Fabienne indulges Charlotte's curiosity about magic, regaling her with a whimsical tale of transforming someone into a turtle.

However, Lumir's growing unease is soon reignited as she confronts Fabienne during the actress's intense rehearsal process. Their conversation revolves around the book, which Lumir perceives as a sanitized portrayal of their complicated relationship. The omission of Sarah from the narrative only adds to her discontent. When Luc later reveals that Fabienne's current project, "Memories of My Mother," stars the rising star Manon Lenoir (Manon Clavel), Lumir is stunned by the eerie parallels between the film and her own life.

In a bold move, Lumir inserts herself into the production as Fabienne's de facto assistant, observing the filming process with keen interest. The sci-fi movie's narrative revolves around a dying mother who transcends mortality by migrating to space, only to return to Earth at various intervals, leaving her daughter aging while she remains youthful. Fabienne plays the septuagenarian daughter in this poignant exploration of time and memory. During a read-through, the production team is enamored with Manon's performance, but Fabienne's expression betrays a mixture of annoyance and skepticism as she critiques Manon's approach to the role.

As Luc reveals his plans to retire and live with his son's family, Fabienne is taken aback by the revelation of a vast, previously unknown clan of grandchildren. Lumir's inquiry into this sudden change prompts Luc to confide in him about the perceived erasure of his existence from Fabienne's memoirs. He implores Lumir to manage her and assert that they form an effective team, as if sharing a burden would somehow legitimize their bond.

Just then, Pierre (Roger Van Hool), Fabienne's ex-husband, appears unannounced at the family gathering, sparking suspicions that he has ulterior motives. His sudden arrival is met with Lumir's astute observation that Pierre believes he deserves compensation for Fabienne's publication of a book about him – a notion swiftly dispelled by Lumir's revelation that the tome in question declares Pierre deceased.

As filming commences on Fabienne's memoir, Lumir witnesses the director capturing scenes where she plays the role of mother to her daughter. Later, during an impromptu moment on set, Manon contributes a brilliant idea, prompting Fabienne to remark wryly that it's hardly a surprise, given their familial connection. This exchange is mirrored in Manon's subsequent assistance to Ludivine Sagnier, who portrays Amy in her thirties, as they work together to perfect the emotional nuances of their respective characters.

Fabienne's attempts to downplay Pierre's involvement are met with Lumir's pointed reminders that she had shared stories about her childhood with Manon – a claim Fabienne vehemently denies. In the midst of this familial tumult, Jacques (Christian Crahay), Fabienne's current husband, takes it upon himself to prepare dinner for the entire family, including the surprise guest, Pierre.

As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Fabienne confides in Charlotte that Pierre was the "turtle" – a phrase she wryly uses to describe his role as her partner. Later, when Pierre offers congratulations on Hank's acting successes, Fabienne seeks to deflect attention from Hank's television career by labeling it mere "impressions." Lumir seizes the opportunity to confront Fabienne about her César-winning performance, which she had allegedly stolen from Sarah – a claim corroborated by none other than Pierre, who produced the film in question.

Lumir then implies that Sarah's subsequent drowning (an event she suggests was ultimately self-inflicted) was directly attributable to Fabienne's actions. Fabienne vehemently disputes this notion, insisting it was merely an accident, even as she acknowledges her capacity for being a flawed mother and friend – yet a consummate actress.

Lumir's words leave her in tears, prompting Hank to return to his room, where he indulges in wine once more. Upon his return, Lumir is dismayed by his relapse into drinking, prompting him to admit that his visit was motivated not solely by a desire to see Fabienne act, but also to demonstrate the perfection of his family – an attempt ultimately foiled by Lumir's unwavering dedication to her own vision.

The following day, Charlotte stumbles upon an unexpected discovery in the garden - a turtle, coupled with Pierre's sudden disappearance. Her curiosity piqued, Charlotte confides in Fabienne, who reveals that she had returned Pierre to his rightful owner. However, Jacques' probing into this revelation prompts Fabienne to concoct a fabrication, blaming Lumir for sharing the information with Charlotte. As filming commences with Manon, Fabienne's distraction becomes increasingly apparent, as she repeatedly excuses herself to attend to perceived distractions - a cell phone ringing here, an unexpected interruption there.

Despite her best efforts, Fabienne finds herself struggling to find her footing on set. In one notable instance, she stumbles and falls during a take, only to subsequently deliver a remarkable performance. Meanwhile, her personal life is beset by turmoil as she yearns for Luc's return, yet remains uncertain about how to proceed. Lumir offers words of wisdom, suggesting that an apology might be the key to rekindling their relationship.

As Fabienne navigates this emotional minefield, she confides in Jacques about her fears of being typecast as a washed-up actress. The family gathers for dinner with Luc and his loved ones, where Fabienne candidly shares Lumir's desire for reconciliation, although she remains unable to muster the courage to apologize. On set, Fabienne's frustration reaches a boiling point, prompting her to declare that she is quitting acting altogether - a decision precipitated by Manon's perceived mockery of her abilities.

Lumir attempts to reason with Fabienne, urging her to confront her insecurities and acknowledge Manon's superior talent. Rather than yield to despair, Fabienne elects to return to the set, where she redoubles her efforts and ultimately completes filming. Lumir praises her performance in a pivotal scene, which prompts Fabienne to reflect on the parallels between her own experiences and those of Sarah, a talented actress who had left an indelible mark on her life.

In a poignant moment of self-awareness, Fabienne offers Manon a compliment, only to realize that she is actually praising someone who embodies many of the qualities she admired in Sarah. As a token of this connection, Fabienne gifts Manon with Sarah's treasured dress, which fits her perfectly. During their conversation, Manon asks about Sarah's personality and artistic prowess, prompting Fabienne to share tales of her remarkable talent and charisma.

As Fabienne candidly shares with Lumir that she indeed attended her school play, a mix of emotions unfolds. She confesses that she deliberately kept it a secret, not wanting to burden her daughter with the knowledge that she was there in spirit, lest Lumir feel criticized or judged. Fabienne reveals that she took on a role for her daughter but never revealed the true reason: Sarah's enchanting reading of the book had stirred something within her. With a tinge of vulnerability, Fabienne admits to being envious of Sarah for stealing her daughter's attention, a feeling that still lingers. Lumir, sensing an opportunity for closure, asks why this pivotal moment wasn't included in their shared storybook. Fabienne hints at the possibility of a second edition, but it's Lumir who ultimately takes control, embracing her mother with tears and declaring that she must possess true magical powers to be on the cusp of forgiveness.

Meanwhile, Charlotte approaches Fabienne with an unbridled enthusiasm, revealing that her ultimate wish is to become an actress someday. She confides in Fabienne, hoping that one day she'll be able to watch her own journey unfold from beyond the stars – a sentiment that resonates deeply with Fabienne. As Charlotte returns to Lumir, it becomes clear that this heartfelt exchange was actually scripted by Lumir herself, leaving Lumir to ponder its authenticity.

As Luc reenters the scene at work, Fabienne surprises him with a homemade medal, symbolizing her newfound appreciation for him. She requests a reshoot of "Memories of My Mother," convinced that she can now bring new depth and emotion to the scene. Lumir inquires if Luc ever truly intended to leave their lives behind, but he remains cryptic. The family sets out together once more, with Fabienne reflecting on her love for Parisian winters – a season that has brought them all closer together.