Cannes kicks off with a charmingly French musical treat.

Dir: Amélie Bonnin. France. 2025. 96 mins.

Discovering Nostalgia in *Leave One Day*

As the Cannes Film Festival 2025 opens, it introduces us to a remarkable piece of cinema: Leave One Day, directed by the talented Amélie Bonnin. This delightful musical invites audiences to embark on a **heartwarming journey** that is as **Gallic as a baguette** and as vibrant as the streets of Paris.

A New Chapter for Cécile

Meet Cécile, played deftly by Juliette Armanet. As she approaches her early forties, life is finally gearing up for her: she’s about to open her very own restaurant in Paris, a dream born from her past as a **TV cooking show champion**. However, just as this new chapter begins, Cécile is hit with a whirlwind of **life-altering news**. Her father becomes ill, and to top it all off, she discovers she is pregnant.

In an unexpected turn, she returns to her **hometown in Grand Est**, reconnecting with old flames and familiar landscapes. This blend of past and present is beautifully underscored by sporadic musical numbers that breathe life into the film. Here, **French pop classics** serve as a nostalgic backdrop, creating a tapestry rich in memory and emotion.

Gender Dynamics and Dramatic Depth

Leave One Day eerily resonates with Bonnin’s earlier project, sharing both a **name and core theme** with her César-winning short film. In a refreshing twist, the gender roles are reversed from the short film, making for an engaging narrative filled with **emotional complexity**. The changing dynamics between Cécile and her father add to the drama, portraying a relationship marked by tension and love.

The Musical Experience

While the film features a selection of **well-known French songs**, its musical numbers stand as both a strength and a potential stumbling block. The infectious sing-alongs draw from both **vintage tracks**—by legends like Dalida and Claude Nougaro—and modern fare, including the title song, “Partir Un Jour,” by boy band 2be3. For Francophone audiences, these rhythms evoke a sense of **nostalgia**, though non-French viewers may find them less impactful.

A Vivid Portrait of Rural Life

Bonnin does a commendable job of **capturing the essence of rural French life**, echoing the success of other films like **Holy Cow**. The film explores the gritty realities of small-town life—the camaraderie and struggles that come with it—rendered in vivid detail. Cécile’s childhood neighbor, Raphaël, brilliantly portrayed by Bastien Bouillon, embodies the eternal allure of returning home. **His carefree spirit** acts as a counterbalance to Cécile’s burgeoning responsibilities and anxieties about the future.

A Culinary Journey

However, this film isn’t merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it also serves as an exploration of **food’s emotional significance**. Cécile’s aspiration for haute cuisine clashes dramatically with her father’s traditional fare, setting the stage for a reconciliation that is both personal and flavorful.

The film tenderly harkens back to a time when Cécile shared meals with her father at their humble truck stop café, emphasizing that her ultimate signature dish is not just about culinary success but also about **healing familial wounds**.

Conclusion: A Musical Feast

Leave One Day is more than just a musical; it is a **culinary and emotional experience** that invites audiences to ponder life’s poignant questions. Though primarily catered to a French audience, its exploration of universal themes—**love, nostalgia, and the ties that bind us**—resonates beyond language, promising to captivate the hearts of all who enter the theater. A film that beckons to be seen, it celebrates the indomitable spirit of its homeland while reminding us to cherish the flavors of our personal histories.