Full Time (2021), A Super Intense Uncut Gems-like Social Thriller

Full Time (A Plein Temps) is a relentless, white-knuckle ride, a masterful tightrope-walk between tension and chaos that teeters precariously on the brink of disaster.

The film brings an electrifyingly chaotic energy to the story of a single working mother, making for an acutely tense yet graceful portrayal of the delicate balancing act of single parenthood. It is a powerful reminder that the struggles of single working mothers can be as chaotic and unpredictable as Adam Sandler's character in Uncut Gems.

Julie (Laure Calamy) is a single mom of two working to keep the family afloat by taking the head chambermaid job at a prestigious Parisian hotel, an hour away from her home. Juggling her responsibilities, she's barely keeping it together until an important job interview and a citywide transit strike throw an unexpected wrench into her packed routine.

Featuring an unsettling synth score reminiscent of Tangerine Dream, Full Time is a masterclass in tension-building, as quick cuts and over the shoulder tracking shots evoke a sense of unease in the viewer. As we are made to feel as overwhelmed as the single mother at the center of the story, the film's emotional impact is intensified with each obstacle Julie is faced with.

This Eric Gravel's film is an honest portrayal of the struggles of a single parent lifestyle, and it serves as a gut-wrenching reminder of just how fragile our social system is. As Julie is thrown into chaos due to the transit strike, Paris descends into a chaotic state of riots and civil unrest.

Gravel's talent for storytelling is on full display in this film, as he expertly avoids melodrama and keeps the narrative grounded in reality. The result is a growing sense of tension and anxiety as Julie's situation steadily worsens. The audience is treated to a stunningly powerful moment when Julie stands alone on a platform, as if tempted to throw herself onto the tracks, but the train never arrives.

Laure Calamy gives an incredible performance in Full Time, embodying a complex and dynamic character that balances strength and vulnerability. Calamy's performance is remarkable for her ability to capture the nuances of a woman who is neither too young nor too old, attractive yet not glamorous, and sexy despite being slightly dumpy. She shows her character's toughness and resourcefulness while still conveying her feminine side. Calamy's performance is a must-see, and it makes Full Time an unforgettable experience.

Full Time offers a unique perspective on the importance of every individual to society, as opposed to being seen as a mere anti-worker's piece. Gravel's thought-provoking film shines a light on the crucial role of each member of society in contributing to the whole.