8/10
We're all carrying too much baggage to fit in the overhead.
24 September 2023
Every soul carries its share of baggage, and in Emmanuel Marre and Julie Lecoustre's evocative drama 'Zero Fucks Given', this universal truth is explored with a potent blend of literal and metaphorical resonance.

From the outset, viewers are confronted with a vivid tableau of desperation and anxiety as we witness a woman, visibly on the brink, grappling to fit her baggage into the rigid compartments of travel. This struggle serves as a poignant allegory for the protagonist Cassandre's emotional journey, portrayed with remarkable depth by the talented Adele Exarchopolous. As the narrative unfolds, we delve into a trove of accumulated sorrow borne out of loss and unprocessed grief. The void left by her mother's passing haunts not only Cassandre but also her father and sister, each ensnared in their private battle with the remnants of despair.

Cassandre's instinct is to flee from her torment, hoping to find solace in new horizons. Yet, the film eloquently underscores a stark reality: no matter how far you fly, the shadows of your past will tail closely behind. No destination exotic enough, no drug potent enough, and no career enticing enough can mask the wounds etched deep within. Cassandre's futile attempt at evasion reflects a melancholy truth; the specters of the past are loyal companions on the journey of life.

As the narrative reaches its crescendo, 'Zero Fucks Given' nudges its protagonist and the audience towards an inescapable realization: healing is a voyage inward. Amid the gentle symbolism of the roundabout, where Cassandre finds herself towards the end of the film, lies a profound message. Just as life's relentless currents swirl around, individuals like Cassandre find themselves anchored amidst its flow by their unaddressed burdens.

In the emotionally charged final act, we witness Cassandre mustering the courage to face the shadows of her past, a crucial step that hints at the dawn of acceptance. As she untangles the knots of her grief, there's a subtle uplift in the narrative tone, leaving both Cassandre and the audience with a budding hope for the days to come. This tender note of optimism amidst a journey laden with emotional tumult encapsulates the essence of 'Zero Fucks Given', offering a gentle nudge towards the liberating path of self-confrontation and healing. Through Cassandre's evolving lens, we are reminded that facing our internal tumult is the first step towards unfurling a future free from the anchor of unresolved sorrow.
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