“Exploring Motherhood and Identity: ‘I Figli degli Altri’ Premieres on Rai 3 Tonight”[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRzWFZhczAs[/embed]

In competition in 2022 at the Venice Film Festival, tonight at 21:25 for the first time on Rai 3, The Children of Others will be broadcast. The film, directed by French filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski, tells the semi-autobiographical story of a woman in search of motherhood after 40. The talented Belgian actress Virginie Efira stars in a poignant and nuanced role.

The Children of Others, the plot of the film on Rai 3

Rachel (Virginie Efira) is a middle school teacher in her forties, divorced and childless. Although she is happy and satisfied with her life, she begins to reflect on her existence after falling in love with Alì (Roschdy Zem) and meeting his four-year-old daughter Leila. Rachel spends a lot of time with the little girl and treats her as if she were her own, even knowing that her relationship with Leila could end at any moment or be compromised by Alice (Chiara Mastroianni), the child’s mother.

Thus, the desire for her own child is born in Rachel, accompanied by deep anger. The chances of getting pregnant at her age are very low. As the months go by, the new family configuration becomes more a part of daily life, and Rachel and Leila grow closer to each other. But, suddenly, Alì is no longer sure of what he wants and the relationship with Rachel becomes strained also because his ex-wife wants to try to rebuild their family.

Virginie Efira in a scene from “The Children of Others” (Ad Vitam).

A film about motherhood and women’s bodies

The fifth feature film by Rebecca Zlotowski, The Children of Others is a film that, unlike other films with similar themes, does not portray a blended family in a sugary and positive light, rather the opposite. Drawing on an autobiographical experience, namely her relationship with director Jacques Audiard, the filmmaker emphasizes how the bonds between those entering an already formed family and the core itself are not at all simple.

Thanks to a smooth screenplay centered on the female protagonist (and thanks to the incredibly talented Virginie Efira) The Children of Others serves a moving story, without any particular directorial flourishes. The aim is primarily to reflect on a delicate theme like the female body and its changes with age. For this reason, the film has the tone and sensitivity necessary to never come across as excessive, but rather dramatically real.

The Children of Others, the cast featuring Virginie Efira

Born in Belgium in 1977, Virginie Efira began her professional career as a television host, a role that led her to move to France in the early 2000s. She made her film debut in 2008 and was chosen for leading roles in several romantic comedies such as Love by Chance, Lucky that You’re Here, and 20 Years Younger.

In 2016, she experiences a dramatic breakthrough with her role in the independent film All the Men of Victoria, directed by Justine Triet – the director of Anatomy of a Fall – which earned her her first César nomination for Best Actress. However, worldwide success only came in 2021 with the scandalous Benedetta by Paul Verhoeven, where she plays a lesbian nun torn between desire and guilt.

Having been in a relationship with actor Niels Schneider since 2018, whom she met on the set of An Impossible Love, last year Virginie welcomed her second child after the little Ali, born in 2013 from a previous relationship. A passionate poker player, the actress has also participated in major tournaments such as the European Poker Tour in Deauville.