Being a single parent is never easy, especially when there isn’t enough money to put food on the table. Some parents manage to navigate these challenges, but often, social services are needed to help create a sense of stability for the family. Unfortunately, this support doesn’t always come, particularly when the system chooses to separate children from their parents rather than offering them the chance to stay together.

Jasmin Gordon, in her remarkable directorial debut, “The Courageous,” captures this harsh reality with profound sensitivity and a deep understanding of her characters’ struggles. Her film is a difficult yet necessary watch, especially if you find yourself caring deeply about the people she brings to life on screen. Through her lens, Gordon encourages us to step into the shoes of those who struggle, proving that cinema has the power to cultivate empathy and challenge preconceived notions.

Set in the picturesque Valais region of Switzerland, “The Courageous” tells the story of Julie (Ophélia Kolb), a 40-year-old single mother raising three children: 10-year-old Claire, 8-year-old Loïc, and 6-year-old Sami. All three children are exceptionally bright and mature beyond their years. Yet they often find themselves looking after each other while their mother disappears without a trace. Despite this, they know—she always returns.

The film opens with Julie leaving the children at a bistro, promising to return quickly. She doesn’t. As the evening grows late, the children have to flee from the café, fearing that the police will capture them and take them away from their mother. They make it home safely but are clearly shaken, falling asleep without knowing whether she will return. When she does, her reasons for leaving them unattended remain a mystery. At school, Loïc is questioned by a teacher about his mother’s work, but he is steadfast. He is his mother’s son and will not betray her, leaving without giving them a reason to challenge the only thing she holds dear—the love of her children.

As the narrative unfolds, Gordon skillfully reveals that Julie is determined to hide her financial struggles from the world. She is adept at creating an illusion of stability, even telling her children that she plans to buy a house for them, saying, “Here, this is your place.” But when a realtor returns to show the house to another client, the children begin to suspect this might be another of their mother’s excuses. Despite this, what will captivate you most is how Julie never loses sight of her children or their trust. Even when faced with a chance to change their circumstances dramatically, they remain loyal to her and choose what feels right for them.

Jasmin Gordon’s direction is powerful and empathetic, urging the audience to look beyond the surface and understand the complexities of a woman fighting against the odds. “The Courageous” is not just a story about a struggling single mother; it is a call to recognize the humanity in those whom society often judges harshly. Gordon’s film brilliantly illustrates that even in a world that can be unforgiving and cold, there is strength, resilience, and an unyielding love that defies easy categorization.

This film is an extraordinary testament to a filmmaker’s ability to take us into the lives of those who are often overlooked and misunderstood. Gordon proves that true courage lies in understanding and stepping into the shoes of others, and “The Courageous” does just that. It’s a remarkable story of a woman who does everything she can for her children while battling her inner demons. Her love and dedication may not be enough to meet society’s standards, but they are enough to make us think, feel, and, ultimately, to understand.

Gordon’s debut feature is a triumph of compassionate storytelling, reminding us that while not everyone has the same opportunities, every person’s story is worth telling and understanding.

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