It took a lot of tact, finesse and sensitivity to succeed in a fiction about mental illness. Fortunately, these qualities are part of the DNA of Michel d'Astous and Anne Boyer, creators of My Mother, a tough but necessary new series.
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Let's say it upfront, My Mother isn't a particularly easy-to-watch series. His talk is harsh, disturbing and not particularly jojo, let's say. Why ? Because we follow the daily life of Chantal Bélanger, a woman suffering from bipolar disorder who is trying somehow to regain control of her life after a stay in prison.
This release will not be easy, both for our heroine and for her loved ones; because his return will reopen in his children – and his sons-in-law – the wounds of the past that have never completely healed.
Fortunately – and like the series My son, in 2020 – the theme of mental health is in very good hands with the duo of authors Michel d'Astous and Anne Boyer, who deliver here dialogues of a great finesse.
Yes, things are said as they are, even the most difficult. And yes, of course, we flirt with the tragic, as with issues of infinite sadness. But never does the series My Mother become tearful or, even worse, disrespectful of the people afflicted by this silent evil.
Impeccable Chantal Fontaine
Split into six one-hour episodes, this new fiction is also carried at arm's length by a Chantal Fontaine at the top of her game. Really, the actress appears to us in impeccable form, able to pick up all the nuances required by the title character. His game is fine, fair and full of empathy.
In an interview with the Journal last weekend, she compared her interpretive challenge to "tightrope work". And that's exactly what it does, navigating through dark and bright areas with ease and precision.
Because although My mother is about a universe that can be gloomy, the series has its share of light. Because no, bipolar disorder is not an end in itself or a constant and unbearable burden placed on the shoulders of loved ones. Let’s hope that this aspect, skilfully highlighted, will open up discussions and break down, if only a little, the stubborn taboo surrounding mental health.
♦ My mother will air on TVA starting November 8.
INDEFENSIBLE
Leo sends Tatiana into the field to clear up the mystery surrounding Mathilde. For her part, Marie-Anne must defend a sexagenarian accused of pedophilia.
► VAT/18 h 59
FOREVER, PLUS A DAY
During a meeting with Dr. Baptiste, Chuck realizes that all good things must come to an end.
► Noovo/19 h 30
HOTEL
Will the police raid at the VIP party have repercussions on the hotel? It is with urgency that the staff is doing everything it can to minimize the damage. Guillaume being to blame, will Victoria have the courage to confront him? How far will Sarah go to save her reputation and that of the hotel? At the same time, will her engagement allow her to turn the page with her ex-lover Olivier? Will she be able to hide her story of infidelity for a long time?
► VAT/20 h
AUDREY IS BACK
Cynthia shares heartbreaking details with Audrey about the night of the accident. Strongly troubled by her friend's revelations, Audrey wants to know more. Marcel makes Mireille realize that Audrey is no longer a child.
► Télé-Québec/9 p.m.
