Saint Omer: Captivating Motherhood Movie

By June Ramli

In the recently watched French film, “Saint Omer,” I had the opportunity to delve into the compelling story of a new mother who finds herself on trial for the tragic death of her 15-month-old daughter. The movie sheds light on the challenges faced by unmarried mothers and the lack of support they often encounter in raising their children.
Loosely based on the real-life French court case of Fabienne Kabou, which resulted in her conviction in 2016, “Saint Omer” takes viewers on a sometimes perplexing journey.
The narrative initially introduces Rama, a troubled novelist from Paris, whose strained relationship with her mother drives her to attend the trial of Laurence Coly.
It remains unclear why Rama attends the trial, seemingly for research purposes, until Coly starts revealing the heart-wrenching circumstances that led her to abandon her newborn at a beachfront.
Reflecting on the story, it becomes apparent that Coly, portrayed by the talented Guslagie Malanda, may have been struggling with severe postpartum depression.
As the trial unfolds, it exposes Rama’s own vulnerable state as she grapples with the wounds of her difficult childhood, further intensified by her current pregnancy.
While I personally struggled to connect with the movie and comprehend its significance, finding it dry and at times nonsensical, there were certainly moments of impact.
Some scenes lacked cohesion, especially towards the end, leaving me uncertain about Coly’s ultimate fate and questioning the reasoning behind the movie’s chosen conclusion.
As a non-French viewer relying heavily on subtitles, I must acknowledge that some nuances and intricacies of the film may have eluded me.
It is possible that native French speakers might have grasped the movie’s essence more effectively, whereas I struggled to grasp its overall sequence and flow.
In conclusion, “Saint Omer” offers a complex exploration of motherhood, trials, and the delicate nature of human emotions.
While it may not have resonated with me personally, it remains a thought-provoking cinematic experience that may appeal to those seeking a deeper examination of the human psyche.