Bloody Oranges

In a bustling gymnastics arena, judges engage in a heated discussion about performance ratings in a rock dancing competition. They deliberate whether a participant's limping condition should influence her evaluation, igniting a broader conversation regarding disability politics and positive discrimination.

Just as the debate intensifies, competition host Patrice Laffont steps in to propose an elderly couple as potential top finalists. This decision aligns with their sponsor's desire for diversity within the competition and adds a twist to the competition's proceedings.

Laurence and Olivier, a spirited older couple, perform an energetic swing dance that captivates the audience. Their performance receives a standing ovation, earning them a place in the final round, but they are soon confronted with their alarming debt situation.

After learning about their significant debt of 78,000 euros, Laurence and Olivier realize the competition's prize, an SUV, could provide a way out for them. They comfort each other as they watch a broadcast featuring the Minister of Finance discussing new pension policies.

Stéphane Lemarchand, the Minister of Finance, engages in a tense meeting with Thierry and his son Alexandre as they navigate the scrutiny from a journalist about alleged foreign bank accounts. The pressures of public perception weigh heavily on Lemarchand as he strategizes ways to safeguard his position.

Louise, a nervous 16-year-old, attends her first gynecological appointment, where she candidly discusses her concerns about losing her virginity to an older boy. This moment emphasizes her innocence and the complexities of adolescence.

Lemarchand's team discusses possible measures to generate 22 billion euros in just three months. Suggestions include increasing university fees and imposing stricter taxes on social benefits, showcasing their desperation to resolve financial shortcomings.

During a family dinner celebrating Laurence's 60th birthday, tensions rise when Alexandre openly expresses his discontent with the evening. Olivier's card gets declined, leading Laurence to cover the expenses, reflecting the family's underlying conflicts.

In a bid to reestablish his public image, Lemarchand participates in a staged interview meant to showcase his relatable side. However, his team secretly acknowledges the risks posed by undisclosed financial dealings, hinting at deeper issues beneath the surface.

After suffering a flat tire, Lemarchand unwittingly finds himself in a dangerous situation at a suspicious house. The encounter takes a brutal turn, marking a dramatic and violent shift in the narrative, contrasting sharply with the earlier competition's elegance.

On her way back from an exciting party, Louise becomes a victim of abduction by a nefarious individual. This horrific ordeal ultimately empowers her as she confronts her captor, resulting in a dramatic and life-altering confrontation.

In the aftermath of the tumultuous events, Laurence and Olivier face the overwhelming weight of their circumstances, contemplating a tragic decision that could alter the course of their lives. Their futures become increasingly uncertain amid their struggles.

As dawn breaks, Alexandre discovers his parents' hidden struggles, leading to a painful confrontation with the same rude taxi driver from earlier. This encounter exemplifies the complex and intertwined nature of their lives, filled with conflict and misunderstanding.

In a dramatic courtroom scene, Alexandre is compelled to represent Louise, who seeks to frame her actions as a conscious act of retribution. This moment highlights her agency and the powerful themes of resilience amid adversity.

The narrative culminates with Louise exiting the courthouse, surrounded by supporters who view her as a symbol of resilience. Meanwhile, the rude taxi driver descends into chaos, embodying the sometimes brutal and poetic nature of fate as the story closes.