Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet's 'La Vie d'une Femme' Challenges Female Narrative Norms
The second feature film by French director Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet, titled 'La Vie d'une Femme', made its debut at the Festival de Cannes and is set to hit theaters on September 9, 2026. The story centers on Gabrielle Conti, portrayed by Léa Drucker, a surgeon in her 50s whose life takes a turn after she encounters a young writer, played by Mélanie Thierry. Inspired by her mother’s passing at 57, Bourgeois-Tacquet crafted this film to illustrate a woman's fulfillment beyond motherhood and romantic relationships. The plot delves into Gabrielle's struggles with perfectionism and workaholism, with a lesbian romance triggering her personal growth. The production is by Les Films Pelléas and was featured on RFI's 'Invitée Culture' podcast on September 7, 2026.
Key facts
- Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet's second feature film 'La Vie d'une Femme' was selected for competition at the Festival de Cannes.
- The film is released in French theaters on September 9, 2026.
- Léa Drucker stars as Gabrielle Conti, a 50-something accomplished surgeon.
- Mélanie Thierry plays a young writer whose encounter disrupts Gabrielle's life.
- Bourgeois-Tacquet wrote the film in reaction to her mother's death at 57 from a long illness.
- The director wanted to depict a woman fulfilled outside motherhood and love, with work at the center.
- The film features a lesbian love affair as the disruptive element, chosen to challenge the protagonist in a new way.
- The film is produced by Les Films Pelléas and was discussed on RFI's 'Invitée Culture' podcast on September 7, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet
- Léa Drucker
- Mélanie Thierry
Institutions
- Festival de Cannes
- Les Films Pelléas
- RFI
Locations
- France