The story takes place in Carhaix, in the heart of Brittany. A small hospital, with a calm maternity clinic, where few births take place. Mathilde, a mid-wife, Firmine, a pediatric nurse, and Louise, the owner of the Carhaix bowling alley, are all friends and lead a happy existence. Catherine, director of the establishment's Human Resources, is sent to restructure the hospital and, most importantly, to eventually shut down the maternity clinic, which is losing money. Four women whose age, personalities, and origins are different, but who will form a quartet overflowing with humanity and humor as they join forces to save the clinic. Life, love, friendship, Brittany and... bowling.
Acting
Frot's HR villain with secret softness
Writing
Women actually talk like real friends
Production
Carhaix feels lived-in, never picturesque
Director
Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Carhaix is ground zero for France's rural hospital closures; over 120 maternity wards shut since 2000. The film's protest DNA is real.
Mention-Schaar shot at an actual threatened clinic in Morlaix; some extras were real staff facing closure. The bowling scenes? Local league, no actors.
FR
