10 jours sans maman

10 jours sans maman is a delightful French comedy movie packed with quirky humor and heartwarming family dynamics, directed by Ludovic Bernard. Released in 2020, the film stars Franck Dubosc, Aure Atika and Alice David. What sets this film apart is its casual confrontation of traditional gender roles, parenting responsibilities and the often untold challenges of a father steering the ship of a household.

The plot centers around Antoine (played by Franck Dubosc), who is a resolute and professional chief HR in a major department store - a man who enjoys great respect at work but at home, it is clearly his wife Isabelle (Aure Atika) who runs the show. Their four children, aged between 2 to 9, are definitely a handful, and it is Isabelle who expertly juggles between their housekeeping, meals and schooling. Essentially, Antoine is the perfect working dad, engrossed with his job and conveniently distant from the chaos of domestic life. However, this convenient set-up is abruptly disrupted.

The title, translating as "10 days without Mom", succinctly summarizes the premise of the movie. When Isabelle decides to take a ten-day vacation by herself - a break from her maternal duties, a well-deserved time for self-care - Antoine is abruptly thrown into the deep end. What follows is a hilarious farce, as Antoine grapples with the complex, demanding and messy reality of parenting. Ironically, parallely at work, he's anticipating a promotion, consequently feeling the pressure to maintain high performance levels. This dual dynamics set the stage for an array of interesting and comical situations.

Franck Dubosc, with his perfectly timed comeback and warming charm, gives an impressive performance as Antoine. His transformation from an absent, workaholic father into one fully engaged in parenting, is beautifully portrayed and strikes a chord with the audience. Aure Atika, despite her short screen time, gracefully portrays a stressed mother in desperate need of a break.

Alice David, playing the role of the store's new photographer and Antoine's former flame, adds another interesting angle to the storyline. Her character, Pilar, becomes a subtle catalyst in Antoine's journey of growth and adaptation, while also highlighting the importance of friends during difficult transitions.

Ludovic Bernard, with a winning combination of humor and reality, intelligently mirrors the grand juggling act of parenting and working in the 21st-century urban society. In addition, the film addresses the unfair distribution of domestic roles between men and women and showcases the superhuman efforts it takes to run a family, something often taken for granted. The director injects the film with a paced rhythm that maintains the interest throughout.

Moreover, the makers of "10 jours sans maman" leverage the chaos of household activities and corporate pressures to create a series of laugh-out-loud moments that keep the audience entertained, while also recalling familiar domestic catastrophes that any parent can relate to. The children's characters are skillfully portrayed, each with their unique personality, which brings additional depth to the narrative.

On the technical front, the cinematography is pleasing with well-framed shots that capture both the frenzy of the domestic sphere and the sleek professional world. The music, light in its tone, complements the humor and heart of the film, making the experience even more delightful for the viewers.

In conclusion, 10 jours sans maman is a light-hearted and funny family film that not only provides an entertaining watch but also invites the viewers to contemplate the often unbalanced workload within a home. It's an ideal movie for anyone who enjoys humorous plotlines, relatable family dynamics, and a touch of social commentary.