Jeanne Herry’s latest film, 'Another Day,' featuring Adèle Exarchopoulos, presents a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of addiction, premiering at the 2026 Cannes Competition.
Structured Yet Emotional Narrative
'Another Day' captures the progressive grip of alcoholism on Garance, a Parisian actress portrayed by Exarchopoulos. Attempting to juggle her career and personal life in an expensive city, Garance’s struggles are compounded by her sister's terminal illness and a stagnant romantic life.
Through scenes set on stage and behind the curtain, Herry introduces Garance in her element, before showing her gradual descent into alcoholism. Exarchopoulos delivers a performance that captures the subtle transition from functioning alcoholic to someone whose life is unraveling.
Performance and Realism
Garance’s relationship with Pauline, played by Sara Giraudeau, offers a glimpse of stability as she navigates the chaos of her addiction. Despite her initial ability to maintain appearances, Garance’s life starts to spiral, with missed appointments and squandered opportunities. Herry’s direction, paired with Laurence Briaud’s editing, ensures the film’s timeline flows naturally over eight years, including the COVID lockdown.
Costume designer Ariane Daurat plays a key role in visual storytelling, with Garance’s wardrobe subtly highlighting her journey. Herry’s decision to avoid rigid time-stamping respects audience intelligence, enhancing the film’s immersive quality.
Complexity and Resolution
While 'Another Day' avoids overt moralizing, its conclusion feels somewhat tidy, with Garance reclaiming control through the love for Pauline and guidance from a pragmatic doctor. Despite this, the film’s emotional core remains strong, especially in scenes like the intervention with Garance’s theater troupe.
'Another Day' is a testament to Herry’s ability to handle sensitive topics with grace and depth, elevated by Exarchopoulos’s compelling performance. The film’s quiet craftsmanship is both rare and impactful, offering a refreshing take on the familiar theme of addiction.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/another-day-review-1236751639/
