The movie Leaving (also known by its original French title, Partir) is a poignant drama that explores the unraveling of a woman's seemingly perfect life when she embarks on an unexpected and passionate affair.
A Life Transformed by Illicit Love
The narrative centers on Suzanne, a bourgeois housewife who, after dedicating two decades to raising her two children and supporting her husband, decides to reclaim her independence by resuming her career as a physiotherapist. Her well-ordered, comfortable, and elegant life is abruptly thrown into turmoil when she encounters a Spanish builder and falls deeply in love with him.
This intense and unforeseen attraction leads Suzanne to begin a runaway affair, which fundamentally upends her entire existence. The film delves into the profound consequences of her choices, examining the conflict between her personal desires and the societal expectations and family ties she leaves behind.
Key Thematic Elements
- Midlife Crisis and Reawakening: The film explores themes of personal reawakening and the search for identity beyond traditional roles.
- The Allure of Forbidden Love: It highlights the transformative and often destructive power of an illicit relationship.
- Sacrifice and Consequences: The narrative implicitly examines the sacrifices made for passion and the far-reaching repercussions of abandoning a long-standing life for a new one.
Leaving offers a compelling look at a woman's journey of self-discovery through a turbulent affair, showcasing how profound emotional connections can challenge and ultimately redefine one's entire world.