Directed by
Lucas Belvaux
Made by
Distrib Films
Discover the intricate plot of This Is Our Land (2018). 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.
Pauline, a devoted home nurse, lives in a quaint village in northern France’s Pas-de-Calais region with her children, Tom and Lili, as well as her father, Jacques Duhez, a retired worker and former member of the French Communist Party. Relying solely on her salary to support her working-class family adds an air of urgency to her daily struggles. Known for her compassionate nature, Pauline has gained a reputation as a kind and empathetic caregiver who is beloved by her patients.
One day, Dr. Philippe Berthier, a right-wing physician associated with the French Communist Party, approaches Pauline with an intriguing proposition from Agnès Dorgelle, the leader of a nationalist party. She has endorsed Pauline as a candidate for mayor, stating that her exceptional qualities as a nurse and her ability to connect with the community make her the ideal choice.
As Pauline’s journey progresses, she encounters Stéphane Stankowiak, an old school acquaintance who also coaches her son’s soccer team. Unbeknownst to her, Stéphane is entangled with a group of skinheads but is trying to separate himself from them to protect Pauline’s campaign. Dr. Berthier, however, threatens to reveal Stéphane’s past connections to Dorgelle’s party if he continues his relationship with Pauline, adding yet another layer of tension.
When Pauline informs her father, Jacques, about her decision to run, he is horrified and adamantly declares he cannot support a child who may align with fascist ideals. This decision splits the community starkly: conservative patients rally around her while progressive supporters withdraw. Among her friends, division simmers as the racist Nathalie Leclerc joins her campaign to sabotage it with misinformation, while Nada Belisha, a French woman of Slavic descent, accuses her of being a mere puppet for extremists.
With rising concerns for her safety, Stéphane takes proactive steps by discreetly engaging reliable friends to keep watch over her. However, chaos erupts when skinheads violently attack a protestor, leaving her gravely injured. In a desperate bid to help, Pauline faces hostility from nearby residents more concerned with their own affairs than the violence occurring before them.
Feeling increasingly isolated from her father, friends, and patients, Pauline seeks advice from Berthier, as the physical distance from Stéphane grows. During this turmoil, she uncovers Stéphane’s troubling history with violence, forcing her to confront that he may be intertwined with the worsening conflicts surrounding her. As her political dreams crumble and her personal relationships fray, Pauline makes the heart-wrenching decision to leave the party behind in favor of her feelings for Stéphane.
In her quest for comfort, Pauline reintegrates with Jacques and shares joyful moments with her loved ones, including an outing to the stadium with her children and Stéphane. The atmosphere is vibrant and filled with laughter, a temporary escape from their woes. However, the joy turns bittersweet when Stéphane unknowingly allows Lili to view photos he took with his friends—images that reveal an alarming narrative of aggression towards refugees.
Infuriated by this shocking discovery, Pauline confronts Stéphane with her fury, brutally unleashing her anger until Jacques and the children intervene. They navigate her back home, where the stark realities of Stéphane’s past and present loom ominously, threatening to dismantle everything she believed about their bond.
Track the key events of This Is Our Land (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Pauline's Life as a Nurse
Pauline is a dedicated home nurse living in a picturesque village in northern France. Her job is her sole support for her working-class family, which includes her two children, Tom and Lili, along with her father, Jacques.
The Proposition from Dr. Berthier
Dr. Philippe Berthier approaches Pauline with an unexpected opportunity to run for mayor, backed by the influential nationalist party leader Agnès Dorgelle. He believes her experience as a compassionate caregiver and her strong ties to the community make her an excellent candidate.
Meeting Stéphane
While navigating her new mayoral candidacy, Pauline reconnects with Stéphane Stankowiak, an old friend and her son’s soccer coach. Unbeknownst to Pauline, Stéphane is embroiled with skinheads, complicating their friendship and her campaign.
Confrontation with Jacques
When Pauline shares her decision to run for mayor with her father, Jacques reacts with shock and horror. His disapproval stems from Pauline's potential association with political extremism, generating tension and division within their family.
Community Division
The announcement of Pauline’s candidacy causes a rift in the community. Conservative patients rally around her while progressive supporters withdraw, fearing she may be compromising their values through her association with the nationalist party.
Rising Tensions and Sabotage
As her campaign progresses, Pauline faces hostility from individuals like Nathalie Leclerc, who spreads misinformation to sabotage her efforts. Meanwhile, Nada Belisha accuses her of being a puppet for extremist agendas, intensifying the campaign's challenges.
Stéphane’s Vigilance
Concerns for Pauline’s safety increase as tensions rise around her campaign. Stéphane steps in to protect her, recruiting trusted friends to keep a watchful eye on her amidst the growing threats from the skinhead group.
Violent Attack
Chaos erupts when skinheads launch an attack on a protestor, resulting in serious injuries for the individual involved. Pauline is caught in the crossfire, facing indifference from onlookers more concerned with their own lives than the violence unfolding.
Seeking Guidance
As Pauline feels increasingly isolated from her family and friends, she reaches out to Dr. Berthier for advice. During this turbulent period, she learns unsettling truths about Stéphane’s violent past, forcing her to reevaluate their relationship.
Emotional Departure from Politics
Overwhelmed by the turmoil in her personal life and her political aspirations, Pauline makes the painful decision to step away from the party. Her feelings for Stéphane, once a source of strength, complicate her stance on the political unrest surrounding her.
Reconnecting with Family
In search of solace, Pauline reconnects with her father and children, enjoying a rare moment of happiness during an outing to the stadium. This time spent together highlights the importance of family amidst the chaos surrounding her life.
Shocking Discovery
The joy of the outing turns to horror when Pauline discovers alarming photos of Stéphane with his friends, which reveal their aggressive stance towards refugees. This revelation shatters her trust and complicates their relationship even further.
Confrontation with Stéphane
Furious about the images of aggression, Pauline confronts Stéphane, unleashing her pent-up anger. The escalating argument draws the intervention of Jacques and the children, as they struggle to manage the situation borne from betrayal and pain.
Returning Home
After the confrontation, Pauline is led back home by her father and children, showcasing the fracturing of her relationships and the heaviness of unresolved issues. The difficult journey back highlights the tension between her political struggles and personal life.
Looming Doubts
As Pauline navigates her way through the aftermath of her decisions, she is left with profound doubts about her relationships with Stéphane, her community, and her own values. The weight of the situation threatens to unravel the bonds she once held dear.
Meet the characters that bring This Is Our Land (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Pauline Duhez (Émilie Dequenne)
Pauline is a devoted home nurse, embodying compassion and resilience. Her strong desire to support her family drives her towards a tumultuous political path, as she grapples with the implications of her candidacy for mayor. As the story unfolds, her idealism clashes with harsh realities, forcing her to confront difficult choices about her relationships and beliefs.
Philippe Berthier (André Dussollier)
Dr. Philippe Berthier is a right-wing physician entangled in political complexities. His initial support of Pauline's campaign stems from strategic interests, but his methods reveal a darker side as he threatens to unveil secrets that could harm her. Berthier represents the morally ambiguous influences of politics.
Stéphane Stankowiak (Guillaume Gouix)
Stéphane is a former schoolmate who becomes entangled in Pauline's life, symbolizing both hope and danger. His past affiliations with extremist groups contrast sharply with his desire to support Pauline’s political ambitions. His character serves as a catalyst for tension, highlighting the blurred lines between love, loyalty, and the consequences of past choices.
Jacques Duhez (Patrick Descamps)
Jacques is Pauline's father, a retired worker with strong convictions shaped by his history in the French Communist Party. His disapproval of Pauline's political pursuits reflects generational divides and complicates their relationship, as he struggles to reconcile familial loyalty with ideological beliefs.
Uncover the settings of This Is Our Land (2018), 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
While the specific time period is not stated, the film reflects contemporary societal issues, including political polarization and the challenges faced by working-class individuals in modern France. The story addresses themes relevant to current political climates and the ongoing struggle against extremism and division.
Location
Pas-de-Calais, Northern France
The story unfolds in a quaint village in the Pas-de-Calais region of Northern France, known for its picturesque landscape and small-town charm. This area symbolizes the struggles of working-class families, reflected in Pauline's life as a home nurse. It is a close-knit community where relationships and political affiliations deeply impact daily life.
Explore the core themes of This Is Our Land (2018). 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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Politics
The film explores the complexities of political affiliation and the impact of nationalism on individual lives. Pauline's candidacy highlights the tension between her personal values and the political landscape, showcasing the community's split loyalties. As Pauline navigates her new role, the challenges of maintaining one's integrity in a polarized environment become apparent.
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Isolation
Isolation emerges as a prevalent theme in Pauline's journey. Despite her compassionate nature and dedication to her community, she finds herself increasingly alienated from loved ones and friends. The emotional toll of her political aspirations and the societal divisions lead her to confront her vulnerabilities and search for genuine connections amidst chaos.
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Love and Betrayal
The film delves into the complexities of love intertwined with betrayal, as Pauline's relationship with Stéphane unveils painful truths. Their bond becomes a battlefield, where feelings clash with convictions, causing Pauline to reevaluate her position in both her political life and her personal relationships. The heart-wrenching choices she faces frame the core of her emotional struggle.
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