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Year: 2008
Runtime: 102 min
Language: Dutch
Director: Christophe Van Rompaey
When her husband abandons her, postal worker Matty faces a crisis of hope at 43. A chance encounter with charming Johnny sets her on a path to rediscover herself, just as her wandering spouse returns home. Now torn between familiar routine and new possibilities, Matty must decide whether to settle back into the past or take a leap of faith into the unknown.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Matty, a 41-year-old postal worker from Ghent, Belgium, finds herself trapped in a monotonous life, deeply affected by the uncertain return of her husband, Werner (Johan Heldenbergh). As she navigates her daily routine, her existence revolves around her three children and the emotional upheaval caused by Werner’s infidelity.
The dullness of her life is temporarily interrupted when she cross paths with Johnny (Jurgen Delnaet), a rugged 29-year-old truck driver. Their first encounter takes place in a supermarket parking lot, where a minor car accident sparks an unexpected and heated argument between them. While the confrontation leaves both feeling frustrated, it also ignites a spark of intrigue and attraction that neither can deny.
Johnny becomes increasingly captivated by Matty, making persistent attempts to contact her, culminating in a visit to her home with a proposal to fix her damaged truck. Initially cautious, Matty ultimately succumbs to Johnny’s determination and invites him to share a family dinner. Although the evening progresses without incident, the atmosphere shifts when Johnny persuades Matty to join him for a drink, leading to a transformative night that awakens her sense of freedom and excitement.
However, the thrill of their affair takes a dark turn when Werner, suspicious of Matty’s actions, hires a private investigator. The investigator uncovers Johnny’s troubled past, revealing that he had previously been imprisoned for assaulting his ex-wife, resulting in significant consequences. This shocking information sends ripples through Matty’s family, especially when her teenage daughter, Vera, confronts Johnny about his history.
Feeling conflicted, Matty tries to create distance between herself and Johnny, but he remains undeterred, sharing that his violent outburst was a reaction to his ex-wife’s cheating. As Matty grapples with her growing feelings for Johnny and her marital commitments, the pull of Johnny’s charm becomes increasingly irresistible. As Werner’s insecurities bubble up, he desperately tries to win back Matty’s affection, leading to a tense dinner where both men clash, ultimately leaving Matty to reflect on her unhappiness and the true sources of it.
A moment of clarity inspires Matty to reevaluate her connection to Johnny, and as they bond over this new understanding, fate intervenes in the form of Johnny’s ex-wife and her lawyer boyfriend. This unexpected encounter exacerbates tensions between the two men, culminating in a chaotic scene where Johnny, fueled by rage and alcohol, damages the lawyer’s car with a beer keg. Disgusted by Johnny’s reckless behavior, Matty leaves, attempting to revive her relationship with Werner, only to find his advances completely lack the passion she seeks.
Weeks later, Matty visits a karaoke bar at the invitation of Vera, where they unexpectedly encounter Johnny, who tries to woo Matty with a romantic ballad but is met with her disdain. Unshaken, Matty ventures back to confront Johnny before he departs for Italy, setting the stage for a poignant goodbye filled with unresolved feelings.
Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:10
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