Juliette's modern life in Marseille

Robert Guédiguian's film Une femme aujourd'hui centers on Juliette, a young, attractive woman who commutes by electric scooter to her job in a modern business district in Marseille. She works in finance and lives alone in a large, contemporary villa with a pool, highlighting her independent and prosperous lifestyle.

Mr. Derval's mysterious presence

Juliette's neighbor, Mr. Derval, played by Jean-Pierre Darroussin, frequently observes her through the hedge or window of his house, where he resides with his mother, Geneviève Mnich. His behavior is unsettling, prompting questions about his motives and intentions.

Juliette's personal and professional challenges

Juliette leads an active sexual life and uses dating apps, which Mr. Derval appears to disapprove of. The film also reveals that she is a transclasse, meaning she belongs to a class that is economically stable but not part of the traditional elite. Her relationship with her parents, Ariane Ascaride and Gérard Meylan, is strained due to her professional success.

Juliette's traumatic experience and new connections

Juliette faces a traumatic incident when her superior attempts to rape her in his car. She escapes but collapses after hitting the entrance of a property. She is approached by pregnant women, but it is later revealed that the house is occupied by an association that supports pregnant women. Juliette meets Christian, played by Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, who is in charge of the association.

Themes of exploitation and historical trauma

As Juliette's professional life becomes more precarious and she is eventually fired, the film shifts focus to a secondary story that becomes central to the narrative. Through subtle storytelling, Guédiguian explores themes of colonialism and its lingering effects, particularly relating to Algeria, without using archive images or overt references to the past. The film touches on issues of exploitation and historical trauma, connecting them to current societal challenges such as racism.

Hopeful conclusion and lasting impression

The film concludes with a hopeful note, offering a sense of utopia and resilience despite the challenges depicted. The final scenes are described as touching and beautiful, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.