“Leave One Day” Review: A Cannes 2025 Highlight

As *Leave One Day (Partir un Jour)* makes its debut at the **2025 Cannes Film Festival**, **Amélie Bonnin** masterfully crafts a cinematic treat that pays homage to the rich tradition of French musicals. Drawing inspiration from her award-winning short film, this charming tale weaves together themes of love, familial conflict, and culinary aspirations, giving audiences a delightful yet bittersweet experience.

A Recipe for Emotional Exploration

In *Leave One Day,* Bonnin explores the life of **Cécile Beguin**, a talented chef portrayed by **Juliette Armanet**, who stands on the brink of achieving her culinary dreams. With a highly anticipated restaurant opening just weeks away, Cécile faces mounting pressure to create a signature dish that captivates social media. Her journey becomes even more complex when she discovers she is pregnant, coinciding with unsettling family news from her mother, **Fanfan** (played by **Dominique Blanc**).

Upon returning to her childhood home—a diner called “The Pit Stop”—Cécile is met with familial tension, particularly from her father, **Gerard** (**Francois Rollin**), who grapples with heart health issues and feelings of inadequacy regarding Cécile’s success. The dynamics are further complicated by her rekindled relationship with high school crush **Raphaël** (**Bastien Bouillon**), as she navigates her impending motherhood and unresolved past.

Heartfelt Moments Enhanced by Music

Bonnin employs sporadic musical numbers to delve into the emotional depths of her characters, a characteristic synonymous with **French cinema’s** tradition. While some performances may land flat due to vocal limitations among supporting cast members, **Armanet** shines with an authentic, poignant performance. Her character grapples with the challenging choice of motherhood and the weight of her family’s expectations, echoing sentiments reminiscent of **Jacques Demy’s** classics.

Each musical interlude, while sometimes jarring, serves as an emotional canvas that showcases Cécile’s inner struggles and aspirations. The lyrics, set to culturally iconic tunes, elevate these moments, even if the song delivery varies in quality. The notable presence of **Tewfik Jallab** as Cécile’s partner and the adorable family dog, **Bocuse**, named after the legendary chef, adds warmth to the narrative.

A Melodrama with Flavors of Reality

At its core, *Leave One Day* is a heartfelt melodrama that resonates with anyone familiar with the complexities of familial relationships and the pursuit of personal ambition. The film may tread familiar ground, but it does so with a captivating blend of brisk humor and poignant revelations. While it doesn’t ascend to the heights of cinematic masterpieces like *The Umbrellas of Cherbourg* or *Les Chansons d’Amour*, it stands as an enjoyable addition to the romantic musical genre.

Overall, Bonnin’s debut, showcasing Cécile’s quest for identity amidst the chaos of family life, successfully retains the female lead’s agency, inviting viewers to reflect on their own choices and relationships. Cinematic enthusiasts and casual viewers alike will find something to savor in this delightful French drizzle of a film.

Reviewed on May 13th at the **2025 Cannes Film Festival** (78th edition) – Opening Film / Out of Competition. 94 Mins.

★★½/☆☆☆☆☆