Directed by
Christian Carion
Made by
Cohen Media Group
Discover the intricate plot of Come What May (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the German Army’s unrelenting advance through the Ardennes region of Belgium and France commenced on May 10, 1940, a palpable wave of fear swept through the small village of Lebucquière. The residents faced a heart-wrenching choice: to abandon their cherished homes and flee toward the coast or risk being ensnared in the chaotic crossfire. Amidst this turmoil, Paul, the village mayor, rose to the occasion, striving to maintain a semblance of order and uphold the republican spirit while his community embarked on a perilous journey. His wife, Mado, found her escape in the soothing embrace of her music, which served as a source of comfort and nostalgia, reminiscent of the days when their café bustled with friends gathered together in joy.
As they traversed this nomadic existence, Suzanne, a resourceful young teacher, emerged as an invaluable guide, skillfully navigating the least congested routes to safety. Her empathy extended particularly to Max, a young German boy who had tragically lost his father, Hans, a staunch anti-Nazi dissident who had been captured by French authorities shortly after the onset of war.
In a parallel narrative amid the fierce Battle of Arras, many prisoners found themselves abandoned in the deserted city after their release from confinement. In this climate of chaos, Hans managed to escape captivity and crossed paths with Percy, a Scottish officer whose entire unit had fallen victim to German gunfire. This unlikely partnership emerged from sheer desperation: while Hans yearned to reunite with his son, who had fled Lebucquière in search of some semblance of safety, Percy was determined to find a way back to England by securing a boat.
Together, these two refugees embarked on a treacherous odyssey, as they clung to the faint hope of reuniting with their families amidst the brewing storm of war, their fates and the outcome of the conflict hanging perilously in the balance.
Track the key events of Come What May (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
German Army's Advance Begins
On May 10, 1940, the German Army launched its relentless advance through the Ardennes region of Belgium and France. This military movement marked the onset of a chaotic period, instilling fear and uncertainty in the surrounding communities.
Fear Grips Lebucquière
As the news of the German advance spread, the small village of Lebucquière was engulfed in fear. The residents faced a painful decision: abandon their homes and flee to the coast or risk being caught in the impending chaos.
Mayor Paul Takes Charge
Amid the turmoil, Paul, the village mayor, emerged as a stabilizing figure. He worked diligently to maintain order and uphold the spirit of the community while preparing for the impending evacuation.
Mado Finds Solace in Music
Paul's wife, Mado, sought refuge from the chaos through her music. This pastime offered her comfort and nostalgia, reminding her of better days spent with friends at their bustling café.
Suzanne Becomes a Guide
As the villagers began their flight, Suzanne, a young teacher, stepped forward as a capable guide. Her knowledge of the less congested routes proved invaluable, helping the residents navigate their perilous escape.
Max's Tragic Loss
In the midst of their flight, young Max faced a heartbreaking reality. He had lost his father, Hans, a dedicated anti-Nazi dissident who was taken captive shortly after the war's beginning, leaving Max vulnerable and alone.
The Battle of Arras
During this time, fierce fighting erupted in the Battle of Arras, leaving many soldiers behind. The chaos of war created a backdrop of uncertainty and fear for all those involved, including released prisoners.
Hans Escapes Captivity
In a twist of fate, Hans managed to escape from captivity amidst the turmoil of the Battle of Arras. Driven by the desire to reunite with his son, he navigated the dangers of war in search of safety.
Hans Meets Percy
After escaping, Hans encountered Percy, a beleaguered Scottish officer. Both men were motivated by desperation; Hans sought to meet his son, while Percy aimed to find a way back to England.
The Treacherous Odyssey Begins
Together, Hans and Percy embarked on a perilous journey, fraught with dangers. Their shared aspirations of reuniting with their families painted their odyssey with a glimmer of hope amidst the surrounding chaos of war.
Struggles of the Townspeople
As the residents of Lebucquière fled, they encountered numerous obstacles on their path. Each choice became more difficult as they faced the dangers of warfare and the uncertainties of their future.
The Impact of War on Families
The emotional toll of war became evident as families were torn apart. Each character struggled with the loss or yearning for loved ones, emphasizing the intimate costs of conflict amid broader violence.
The Ongoing Conflict
As war continued to rage around them, the fates of characters like Hans, Percy, and the villagers interwove. Their journeys reflected the broader narrative of conflict, survival, and the quest for peace.
Hope Amidst Despair
Despite the dire circumstances, the people maintained hope for a better future. Their shared resilience and determination to seek safety illustrated the human spirit's ability to endure, even in darkness.
A Community's Legacy
The challenges faced by the community of Lebucquière during this tumultuous time became part of their legacy. Their stories of bravery and perseverance echoed on, transcending the immediate horrors of war.
Meet the characters that bring Come What May (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Paul
As the village mayor, Paul is a dedicated leader who strives to maintain order and uphold the republican spirit amidst chaos. His character embodies strength and courage, as he prioritizes the safety of his community while facing his own fears and dilemmas.
Mado
Mado is Paul's wife, who finds comfort in music during the turmoil of war. Her character represents the emotional anchor for the family, using her passion to maintain hope and connection while dealing with the uncertainty of their future.
Suzanne
Suzanne is a resourceful young teacher who emerges as a guiding figure during the crisis. Her empathy and quick thinking allow her to navigate the treacherous routes to safety, reflecting the strength of spirit and ingenuity in difficult times.
Hans
Hans is a young German boy who becomes a symbol of innocence lost. Having lost his father, he experiences the worst of war's effects, yet he holds onto the hope of reuniting with his loved one, capturing the tragic consequences of conflict on children.
Percy
Percy is a Scottish officer, embodying resilience and determination. His journey to find a way back to England showcases the camaraderie formed among refugees and soldiers amidst war, as they navigate sheer desperation.
Uncover the settings of Come What May (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
May 10, 1940
The story is set during World War II, specifically at the onset of the German invasion of France. This period was marked by rapid military advances, significant battles, and the ensuing chaos that forced civilians to make harrowing choices about their future.
Location
Lebucquière, Ardennes region, France, Belgium
Lebucquière is a small village situated in the Ardennes region, known for its scenic landscapes and close-knit community. The village becomes the backdrop for human struggles during the German Army's advance, representing the heartache of displacement and the yearning for safety amid the turmoil of war.
Explore the core themes of Come What May (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loss
The theme of loss resonates throughout the movie, as characters grapple with the emotional toll of separation and abandonment during wartime. Families are torn apart, and lives are irrevocably changed, highlighting the profound impact of conflict on personal relationships and community bonds.
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Survival
Survival is a central theme, as the villagers face a dire choice between fleeing their homes or risking capture amid advancing enemy forces. The characters’ resourcefulness and resilience illustrate the human instinct to protect loved ones and seek safety against overwhelming odds.
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Hope
Despite the surrounding despair, hope emerges as a poignant theme. Mado finds solace in music, while the journey of Paul, Suzanne, Hans, and Percy represents the hope of reuniting with family and escaping the ravages of war, symbolizing the enduring human spirit.
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