Alice and the Mayor

Alice and the Mayor

Year: 2019

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: French

Director: Nicolas Pariser

Echo Score: 73
DramaComedy

The mayor of Lyon, Paul Théraneau, finds himself at a crossroads after decades in politics, grappling with a sense of emptiness. Seeking a fresh perspective, he brings in Alice Heimann, a bright and insightful philosopher. Their contrasting personalities clash as they engage in a series of conversations, challenging each other's beliefs and ultimately reshaping their understanding of the world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Alice and the Mayor (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Alice and the Mayor (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 2000s to late 2000s

The movie spans a period of several years in the early to late 2000s, capturing the political and social atmosphere of this era in France. It reflects the contemporary issues of politics, urban planning, and personal transformation during this time frame.

Location

Lyon, France

Lyon is France's third-largest city, known for its vibrant history, Renaissance architecture, and significant role in politics and urban development. The city serves as a political and cultural hub, providing a dynamic backdrop for the movie's events centered around city planning and political ambitions.

🌆 City 🏛️ Administrative Center 🥖 Culinary Hub

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:41

Main Characters – Alice and the Mayor (2019)

Meet the key characters of Alice and the Mayor (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alice Heimann (Anaïs Demoustier)

A reserved and thoughtful woman who shifts from teaching to city hall work, Alice seeks purpose and meaning in her role. Her journey reflects a struggle between intellectual fulfillment and emotional vulnerability.

👩‍💼 Worker 🎓 Intellectual 💔 Romantic

Paul Théraneau (Fabrice Luchini)

A seasoned, reflective politician grappling with the realities of power and ambition. His appreciation for Alice’s insight signifies his deeper desire for meaningful change amidst political superficiality.

🎩 Politician 🧓 Senior ✨ Charismatic

Gauthier (Alexandre Steiger)

Alice's former lover, a passionate figure preoccupied with his eccentric wife. He is emotionally complex, representing conflicting desires and personal struggles.

❤️ Ex-lover 🎭 Eccentric 🧠 Conflicted

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:41

Major Themes – Alice and the Mayor (2019)

Explore the central themes of Alice and the Mayor (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Intellectualism

The film explores the tension between intellectual discussions and practical politics. Alice's role in city planning and her conversations with Théraneau highlight the value and limitations of ideas in governance.

❤️ Love & Relationships

Personal relationships and their complexities are central to the story, from Alice’s interactions with her former lover Gauthier to her connection with Théraneau. The film examines how personal lives intersect with professional ambitions and political realities.

🎭 Political Ambition

The movie delves into the aspirations of political figures like Théraneau, illustrating the challenges and superficialities of the political landscape. It emphasizes the disconnect between ideologies and the realities of delivering results.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:41

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Explore Movie Threads

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Movies about philosophical duos like Alice and the Mayor

Two contrasting minds meet, sparking deep conversations that change their worlds.If you enjoyed the thoughtful dialogue and contrasting perspectives in Alice and the Mayor, you'll appreciate these movies. Discover other quiet dramas and comedies where intellectual partnerships drive the narrative and spark personal change.

philosophicalconversationalcontemplativeintrospectivereflectivecharacter-driven

Narrative Summary

These stories often begin with a professional or chance encounter that pairs an established but disillusioned figure with a fresh, challenging voice. The narrative unfolds through dialogue, exploring themes of meaning, action, and existence, leading both characters to a point of significant personal transformation.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped together by their focus on character-driven intellectualism, the chemistry between two leads, and a shared contemplative mood that prioritizes ideas and personal evolution over high-stakes plot.

Movies about quiet midlife crises like Alice and the Mayor

Stories of established figures facing existential emptiness and searching for new purpose.For viewers seeking movies like Alice and the Mayor that explore themes of disillusionment and purpose. These contemplative films feature characters reevaluating their lives, offering a realistic and bittersweet look at personal transformation.

melancholicreflectiverealisticcontemplativelonelysubduedmidlife crisis

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist who has achieved a level of success or status but finds it meaningless. Through quiet reflection, new encounters, or small personal revelations, they begin to question their path, leading to a nuanced and often bittersweet acceptance or change.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific emotional tone of melancholic realism, a slow, reflective pace, and a central theme of existential questioning in middle age or later, creating a coherent and deeply resonant viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Alice and the Mayor

Don't stop at just watching — explore Alice and the Mayor in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Alice and the Mayor is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Alice and the Mayor Summary

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Alice and the Mayor Summary

Alice and the Mayor Timeline

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Alice and the Mayor Timeline

Alice and the Mayor Spoiler-Free Summary

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Alice and the Mayor Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Alice and the Mayor

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Alice and the Mayor: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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