Alice and the Mayor 2019

Alice is portrayed as a Anaïs Demoustier who starts off as a quiet, reserved woman leading a solitary life. She made the decision to leave her teaching job in England and relocate to Lyon, France, where she begins working at the city hall of the third-largest city in France. Her new role involves providing ideas and insights to the mayor, Fabrice Luchini, known as Paul Théraneau, a divorced man who is often too busy to dedicate much time to reading or deep thinking. Alice’s intelligence and dedication earn her the mayor’s appreciation, leading to her promotion, which causes some jealousy among her colleagues. She is then assigned to a team responsible for creating plans for the city’s future, but she soon becomes disillusioned when she realizes that the project seems to be nothing more than a vanity exercise, lacking real progress or meaningful direction.

Throughout the story, Alice develops a nuanced understanding that while intellectual discussions are abundant among politicians and advisors, tangible action and results are what truly matter. Her conversations with Théraneau, a lifelong socialist who increasingly values her opinions, emphasize this point as she recognizes the divide between discourse and delivery. During her time in Lyon, Alice seeks out Gauthier, a former lover, but finds that he is preoccupied with his unconventional wife, who struggles with mental health issues. The encounter highlights her emotional vulnerability and the complexity of her relationships.

One particularly striking scene involves Alice being inspired by a local entrepreneur who has managed to revive Lyon’s last remaining hand-printing business, a symbol of the city’s fading industrial past. She visits his apartment one evening, and after sharing intimacy, he sharply criticizes her way of life, making her question her choices and her future. This experience leaves Alice deeply shaken, prompting her to seek solace in the company of Gauthier, who arrives at her apartment to offer comfort. During his visit, Alice’s phone rings—it’s Théraneau, who has just had a tense dinner with his ex-wife and is seeking her support. Alice tactfully navigates the situation, offering sympathy without crossing boundaries.

As the story progresses, Théraneau decides to run for the socialist nomination for the presidency, with Alice serving as his speechwriter. During the socialist congress, doubts about his chances cause him to withdraw from the public eye, as he chooses not to deliver the stirring speech he had prepared. Fast forward three years, Alice has moved to England with her own family, raising a child while professionally engaging in other pursuits. When she visits Lyon again, she reunites with Théraneau, who has since retired from his political career. Their reunion reveals how much their lives have diverged; while Théraneau now has ample time to read and reflect, Alice is immersed in motherhood, showing the stark contrast between her past aspirations and her current responsibilities.

This story encapsulates themes of personal growth, the realities of political life, and the often contrasting paths of love, ambition, and everyday life. It highlights the importance of genuine human connection amid the often superficial world of politics and societal expectations. The narrative is a reflection on how people evolve over time, the toll of public service, and the enduring nature of their relationships, all set against the backdrop of Lyon’s scenic and political landscape.