What Is In the Name of My Daughter About?
The premise of In the Name of My Daughter in 343 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑drenched streets of 1970s Nice, the glitter of the French Riviera masks a world where fortunes rise and fall as quickly as the tide. The city’s elegant cafés, bustling markets, and the looming façade of a historic casino create a backdrop of both promise and pressure, each corner humming with whispers of ambition and hidden desire. The atmosphere is at once glamorous and fragile, setting the stage for personal quests that intertwine with the pulse of commerce and legacy.
Agnes Le Roux arrives back in this world after a painful marriage ends, seeking a clean slate far from the shadows of her past. Determined and resourceful, she channels her need for independence into a modest venture—a boutique bookstore brimming with African artifacts and Asian textiles—offering a quiet counterpoint to the casino’s relentless clamor. Yet even this tranquil pursuit cannot fully escape the magnetic pull of the family’s entrenched ties, and Agnes finds herself navigating a delicate balance between rebuilding her own identity and becoming entangled in the broader currents that surround her.
Renée Le Roux, her mother, commands the legacy of the once‑thriving Palais de la Méditerranée. A widowed figure of wealth and resolve, she faces a labyrinth of corporate maneuvering and rival shareholders eager to reshape the casino’s future. The mother‑daughter relationship is layered with admiration, contention, and unspoken expectations, as Renée’s uncompromising approach to business offers both a beacon of strength and a source of friction for the younger generation.
Into this intricate tableau steps Maurice Agnelet, a sharp‑tongued lawyer and trusted advisor whose polished demeanor hides a restless yearning for something beyond the boardroom. His close bond with Renée’s affairs and his own personal complexities draw him into a subtle dance of attraction and strategy, hinting at a partnership that could redefine loyalties on both personal and professional fronts. Against the glittering backdrop of Nice, each character’s yearning and resolve set the tone for a story where love, power, and the search for self‑determination intertwine, leaving the audience eager to discover how these delicate threads will finally converge.
What Happens in In the Name of My Daughter?
The complete story of In the Name of My Daughter, from the first scene to the last, in 639 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Agnès Le Roux, a determined young woman, returns to Nice in 1976 seeking a fresh start after her marriage ends in failure. Her mother, Renée Le Roux, a wealthy widow, is embroiled in fierce conflicts with other shareholders over control of the struggling Palais de la Méditerranée, a significant casino located on the French Riviera. One disastrous night, the casino suffers a staggering loss of five million francs, allegedly due to tampering by professional gamblers.
In her quest for independence, Agnès kicks off a new venture by opening a charming bookstore that specializes in African artifacts and Asian textiles. Meanwhile, Renée, with support from her lawyer and advisor Maurice Agnelet, navigates the complexities of business ownership with her daughter’s decisive vote tipping the scales in her favor. Nevertheless, their mother-daughter relationship grows tense, as Renée, direct and unyielding, denies Agnès her rightful inheritance from her late father. Adding to the intrigue, Maurice, who is separated from his wife and has a close bond with his young son, becomes infatuated with the spirited and strong-willed Agnès. The emotional complexity intensifies when one of Maurice’s current partners, Françoise, fearing that he has developed feelings for Agnès, pays her a visit, warning her about Maurice’s notorious charm and alarming reputation.
As Maurice opens up and shares glimpses of his life, Agnès finds herself irresistibly drawn to him, resulting in an intense and passionate affair. Despite Maurice’s ambitions of rising to the position of managing director at the casino, Renée elects a more seasoned manager, leading him to take revenge by helping Agnès acquire the three million francs her mother stubbornly withheld. This intrigue unfolds as Italian mafia boss Jean-Dominique Fratoni, Renée’s business adversary, purchases Agnès’ shares, enabling her to vote against her mother in the crucial board meeting that culminates in Renée losing her power and influence, unraveling her wealth. With Fratoni taking charge of the casino, it soon meets an unfortunate closure, causing waves of scandal as news of Agnès’ betrayal surfaces, leaving her wrestling with guilt, which Maurice attempts to soothe. Despite understanding his flaws, Agnès embarks on a journey of trust by opening a shared bank account with him in Vevey.
Filled with sorrow from the collapse of her mother’s fortunes, Renée eventually learns of her daughter’s betrayal through Mario, a loyal Italian chauffeur who tries to uplift her spirits. Initially, Agnès finds joy in her relationship with Maurice, yet her demands complicate things; her deepening love becomes burdensome, causing Maurice to distance himself. A critical moment occurs when Agnès surprises him at a meeting with his son, leading to a humiliating scene where she is forced to apologize for her feelings. Reaching a breaking point, Agnès tragically attempts to end her life by overdosing on pills. Renée rushes to the hospital, only for Agnès to reject her mother’s comforting presence. Soon after, Maurice takes control and moves Agnès back into her apartment but remains emotionally unresponsive as she spirals into despair. Eventually, Agnès vanishes without a trace, leaving Maurice to exploit her finances by transferring her assets into his account. Heartbroken, Renée embarks on a relentless two-decade pursuit to uncover the truth, suspecting that Maurice played a direct role in Agnès’ fate.
Years later, now elderly and frail, Renée’s effort pays off as the investigation into her daughter’s mysterious disappearance is reopened. Maurice, who has been living in Panama, returns to France voluntarily to confront the trial. Complicating matters, Françoise testifies against him, retracting an earlier alibi and leaving Maurice vulnerable in court. During this poignant trial, Renée passionately advocates for justice on behalf of her daughter. However, despite the tense proceedings, Maurice triumphantly secures an acquittal. The story concludes with a title card revealing that in 2014, prompted by his son’s testimony, Maurice was ultimately found guilty of Agnès’ death and sentenced to two decades behind bars.
In the Name of My Daughter Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
16 key events in the order they happen, from “Agnès Returns to Nice” to “Maurice Found Guilty”. 7 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Agnès Returns to Nice
In 1976, Agnès Le Roux, a determined young woman, arrives back in Nice following a failed marriage. Seeking a fresh start, she hopes to establish her independence and redefine her life away from her mother's influence.
When:1976 Where:Nice
- 2
Casino Controversy
Renée Le Roux, Agnès' mother, finds herself embroiled in fierce conflicts over control of the Palais de la Méditerranée, a significant casino. A disastrous night leads to the casino suffering a staggering loss of five million francs, prompting allegations of tampering by professional gamblers.
Where:Palais de la Méditerranée, Nice
- 3
Agnès Opens a Bookstore
Determined to carve her own path, Agnès decides to open a charming bookstore that specializes in African artifacts and Asian textiles. This venture represents her quest for independence from her controlling mother.
Where:Nice
- 4
Conflict Over Inheritance
Agnès' relationship with her mother becomes strained as Renée denies Agnès her rightful inheritance from her late father. Despite Agnès's contributions, Renée's direct and unyielding nature exacerbates the familial rift.
- 5
Maurice's Infatuation
Maurice Agnelet, Renée's lawyer, becomes infatuated with the strong-willed Agnès. This emotional complexity intensifies as Agnès navigates her growing feelings while being warned by Maurice's partner, Françoise, about his notorious reputation.
- 6
A Passionate Affair
In spite of the challenges, Agnès and Maurice embark on an intense affair filled with emotional highs and lows. As Maurice shares details about his life, Agnès finds herself drawn deeper into their relationship, complicating her independence.
- 7
Maurice's Revenge
Maurice's ambitions clash with Renée's decisions when she opts for a seasoned manager over him. He then aids Agnès in securing the three million francs her mother withheld, marking a pivotal moment in their partnership.
- 8
Betrayal and Power Shift
As Italian mafia boss Jean-Dominique Fratoni purchases Agnès' shares, it allows her to vote against Renée in a critical board meeting. This betrayal results in Renée losing her power and wealth, dramatically shifting family dynamics.
Where:Palais de la Méditerranée, Nice
- 9
Casino's Closure
With Fratoni in charge, the Palais de la Méditerranée faces unfortunate closure, resulting in a scandal as news of Agnès' betrayal emerges. Agnès grapples with guilt, while Maurice attempts to console her.
Where:Nice
- 10
Renée Learns of Betrayal
Renée learns about Agnès' treachery through Mario, a loyal Italian chauffeur, leading to emotional turmoil for both women. The tension escalates as Agnès finds joy with Maurice, yet her increasing demands create complications.
Show the other 6 events of In the Name of My Daughter Hide the last 6 events
- 11
Agnès's Despair
Amidst the complexities of her relationship, Agnès reaches a breaking point and tragically attempts to end her life by overdosing on pills. Renée rushes to the hospital, but Agnès rejects her mother’s comfort in a moment of deep anguish.
Where:Hospital
- 12
Agnès Vanishes
Following her hospitalization, Maurice takes control and moves Agnès back to her apartment. As Agnès spirals into despair, she mysteriously vanishes, leaving Maurice to manipulate her finances to his advantage.
- 13
Renée's Relentless Quest
Heartbroken over her daughter's disappearance, Renée embarks on a relentless two-decade pursuit to uncover the truth behind Agnès’ fate. She becomes increasingly convinced that Maurice was involved in her daughter's mysterious vanishing.
- 14
Investigation Reopened
Years later, Renée's efforts finally pay off as the investigation into Agnès' disappearance is reopened. Maurice, who now resides in Panama, voluntarily returns to France to confront the trial that will decide his fate.
Where:France
- 15
Trial and Acquittal
During a poignant trial, Françoise testifies against Maurice, retracting her earlier alibi and placing him in a vulnerable position. Despite the tension and Renée's passionate advocacy, Maurice is ultimately acquitted.
- 16
Maurice Found Guilty
The story reaches a resolution when, in 2014, prompted by new evidence from his son, Maurice is found guilty of Agnès’ death and sentenced to twenty years in prison. This final twist brings a long-awaited sense of justice for Renée.
When:2014
Who Are the Main Characters in In the Name of My Daughter?
3 characters, among them Agnès Le Roux, Renée Le Roux and Maurice Agnelet: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- AL
Agnès Le Roux
Agnès is a determined and spirited young woman seeking independence amidst family turmoil. Her journey showcases her resilience as she opens a bookstore and navigates complicated relationships. However, her emotional vulnerabilities lead her to make tragic choices that shape her fate.
- 🌟 Independent
- 📚 Determined
- RL
Renée Le Roux
Renée is a wealthy and unyielding widow fiercely dedicated to maintaining control over her casino. Her complex relationship with Agnès showcases her strong will and fierce protection over her family legacy. Despite her flaws, her journey represents a mother's love overshadowed by power struggles.
- 👩👧 Motherly
- 💰 Ambitious
- MA
Maurice Agnelet
Maurice is a charming yet morally ambiguous lawyer entangled with both Agnès and Renée's fates. His ambitions and emotional connections create a web of intrigue, leading him to manipulate situations for personal gain. His character embodies the complexities of desire and betrayal.
- 🤵 Manipulative
- ❤️🔥 Charming
Where and When Is In the Name of My Daughter Set?
In the Name of My Daughter is set in Nice, Palais de la Méditerranée and French Riviera (1976). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1976
The year 1976 was marked by various social and economic changes worldwide, influencing personal choices and struggles in the film. During this time, the gambling industry was facing challenges that brought to light complex relationships intertwined with ambition and betrayal. This period reflects a dynamic intersection of wealth, power, and family loyalty.
Where
Nice, Palais de la Méditerranée, French Riviera
Nice is a famous city on the French Riviera known for its stunning coastline and vibrant culture. The Palais de la Méditerranée is a prominent casino that became a central location for high-stakes conflicts between its shareholders. The beautiful surroundings of Nice serve as a backdrop to the intense personal and financial struggles of the characters.
- 🏝️ Beach
- 🏢 Casino
What Are the Themes of In the Name of My Daughter?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Betrayal, Justice and Wealth and Corruption.
-
01
Love and Betrayal
The movie intricately explores the theme of love and betrayal, particularly through Agnès’ tumultuous relationship with Maurice. Their passionate affair unravels layers of trust, creating a complex emotional landscape fraught with conflict. Ultimately, this theme emphasizes how love can lead to devastating choices and family discord.
-
02
Justice
Justice plays a crucial role in the narrative, with Renée's relentless quest to uncover the truth behind Agnès' disappearance. The courtroom drama showcases the struggles faced in seeking justice for a loved one, highlighting the complexities of proving guilt and innocence. This theme resonates deeply, illustrating the lasting impact of unresolved trauma.
-
03
Wealth and Corruption
The film delves into the themes of wealth and corruption, focusing on the power struggles within the casino industry. As characters grapple with riches, their moral compasses are challenged, leading to unethical decisions and betrayal. This exploration becomes central to understanding the motivations and conflicts that drive the plot.
What Kind of Film Is In the Name of My Daughter?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A tense and tragic drama fueled by obsessive love and corporate betrayal, unfolding with a steady, somber pace that builds to a devastating conclusion of loss and delayed justice.
- tragic
- betrayal
- melancholic
- tense
- romantic obsession
- despair
- family betrayal
- corporate power struggle
- obsessive love
- courtroom drama
Content notes: suicide attempt, psychological manipulation, prolonged grief.
Quiz
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Where to Watch In the Name of My Daughter
Stream it on Cineverse and Cohen Media, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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Cineverse 
Cohen Media Amazon Channel 
France Channel Amazon Channel 
Kanopy 
Tubi TV 
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