The list of my desires

The List of My Desires (2014) is a French drama film directed by Didier Le Pêcheur that explores the complexities and convolutions of sudden fortune, individual happiness, and the true value of life's simple pleasures. The movie is an adaptation of the novel "La liste de mes envies" by Grégoire Delacourt, which has been translated into numerous languages and garnered considerable praise for its heartwarming narrative and profound insights.

At the heart of the story is Jocelyne (Mathilde Seigner), a charming and unassuming haberdasher living in the small town of Arras, France. Jocelyne leads a modest but comfortable life, running her own haberdashery shop while writing a popular crafts blog. Her life revolves around her tight-knit community, her family, and the simple joys that come with needlework and the company of her close friends. Though she occasionally wonders about the twists and turns her life could have taken, she is, for the most part, content with her lot.

Marc Lavoine plays Jocelyn's husband, Jo, who works at the Haagen-Dazs factory nearby. Their marriage has had its ups and downs, weathered by the emotional aftermath of a personal tragedy and the mundanity of everyday life. Despite the challenges, the couple continues to share their lives, even as Jo’s obsession with restoring an old motorcycle represents his own unspoken yearnings for escape.

Virginie Hocq is featured as Danielle, Jocelyne’s lovable and vibrant friend, who adds a sharp sense of humor and supporting presence in Jocelyne's life. She, along with another friend, encourages Jocelyne to participate in life's small adventures and indulges in fanciful conversations with her about "what-ifs" and the dreams they harbor for the future.

The film takes a dramatic turn when, urged by her friends, Jocelyne reluctantly plays the lottery and wins a massive jackpot. The profound realization that she now possesses the means to alter the fabric of her destiny sends her into a spiral of indecision and anxiety. Faced with this life-changing stroke of luck, she enters a contemplative state, compiling "The List of My Desires," which is both a literal and metaphorical journey through her hopes, dreams, and the very essence of her desires.

As Jocelyne grapples with her unexpected predicament, the film delves into poignant reflections on materialism and the pursuit of happiness. Her newfound wealth brings with it a barrage of questions: Should she reveal her windfall to her family and community? What impact could this sudden affluence have on her relationship with her husband, her children, and her friends? Moreover, how should she manage the responsibilities that come with great wealth, and will this change who she truly is as a person?

The film sensitively addresses the double-edged nature of luck and prosperity, underlining the ironic complexity of a supposedly simple solution to life's problems—money. Jocelyne’s journey is emblematic of the universal human condition; her character embodies the inner conflict between dreams and reality, a narrative that resonates with many.

Mathilde Seigner’s portrayal of Jocelyne is nuanced and compelling; she balances vulnerability with inner strength and brings depth to a character who encapsulates the everyday woman thrust into an extraordinary circumstance. Marc Lavoine's depiction of Jo is robust, crafting an image of a man equally grounded and lost within the vicissitudes of a working-class existence. Virginie Hocq's performance injects a vibrancy that both contrasts and complements the introspective nature of Jocelyne's tale.

The List of My Desires is a cinematic exploration of the human heart’s landscapes and the surprising weights we assign to dreams and desires. With its warm tones, intimate setting, and heartfelt performances, the movie transcends the simplicity of its premise to deliver a touching commentary on the delicate balance between what we have, what we wish for, and what truly makes life worthwhile.

Its ability to capture the small-town atmosphere, combined with the insightful lens through which it views its characters’ lives, makes this film an engaging and thought-provoking piece. Poised at the confluence of drama, romance, and a touch of whimsy, The List of My Desires invites viewers to question their perspectives on fortune, fulfillment, and the subtle art of finding joy in the ordinary.