I'm usually drawn to French courtroom dramas because they tend to avoid the rigid atmosphere often found in American legal stories, opting instead for a more aggressive approach. This particular film shifts focus away from the details of the crime itself and toward understanding its origins, and potentially offering some measure of compassion. “Laurence” (played by Gustalgie Malanda), who recently arrived from Senegal, stands accused of murdering her baby. She admits to leaving her newborn on a beach during high tide, resulting in the child's death. However, she insists that she was under the influence of sorcery—possibly stemming from ancestral spirits—and had little recollection or awareness when it happened. A writer named “Rama” (Kayije Kagame) is present as an observer, and her own struggles with a pregnancy are woven into the narrative; Rama’s story mirrors that of an immigrant woman navigating relationships with a French partner, her traditional mother, and mounting anxieties while following the case. The central question becomes: Is "Laurence" a calculating killer who never desired motherhood, or is she suffering from mental illness and therefore not responsible for her daughter's death? The drama unfolds gradually, but there are moments of intense and insightful conversation that explore themes such as superstition, alienation, loneliness, and the duties of being a parent as this woman testifies. The baby’s father, “Dumontet” (Xavier Maly), was unaware of Laurence's pregnancy, which also brings up questions about the declining role of fathers in childbearing. He faces accusations of cowardice and abandonment, but it's worth considering whether he had any real chance to intervene in a situation seemingly controlled by someone who may not have been thinking clearly. His lack of power is evident throughout. The film perhaps extends beyond its necessary length, but it’s stimulating and avoids providing easy or superficial responses to complex and contentious issues.

Source on TMDB