Two Days, One Night

In the industrial town of Seraing, close to Liège, Belgium, young wife and mother Sandra is preparing to re-enter her role at a small solar panel factory called Solwal, following a medical leave due to depression. However, during her absence, the factory manager, Mr. Dumont, discovers that her coworkers have managed to cover her shifts by working a bit longer. He offers them a choice: either keep Sandra’s position or collect a €1,000 bonus. This news devastates Sandra, as she learns that only two out of her sixteen colleagues voted to keep her, leading to a feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Her husband, Manu](/actor/manu), strives to lift her spirits and encourages her to confront Dumont, along with her friend and coworker Juliette. Though initially too afraid to speak up, Juliette passionately defends Sandra’s case, revealing that some of their fellow workers felt coerced into voting against her by the foreman, Jean-Marc, who hinted that one employee would lose their job regardless of the outcome. Dumont agrees to arrange for a second, secret ballot on Monday morning.

Over the weekend, urged on by Juliette and Manu, Sandra reluctantly embarks on a mission to speak with her colleagues who voted against her to persuade them to reject the bonus. However, she encounters significant challenges as many of her coworkers, including immigrants, rely on that bonus for their families. During her visits, she faces rejection and even hostility—like when a friend pretends not to be home—yet she also finds support from a small group, including Timur, who expresses remorse for voting against her despite her past kindness toward him.

On Sunday, Sandra uncovers that Jean-Marc has been pressuring her coworkers to stick with their original votes, motivated by his bias against her due to her mental health. After visiting a coworker named Anne, who is sympathetic but ultimately blocked by her husband, Sandra, feeling hopeless, tells Manu about a recent overdose attempt. Thankfully, Manu intervenes, ensuring she receives medical help.

At the hospital, Sandra remains determined to visit her last coworkers that night. She learns from Alphonse, a young African contract worker, that he’s been encouraged by Jean-Marc to vote against her as well. Alphonse expresses his desire to support Sandra but fears retaliation could jeopardize his job.

Monday arrives, and tension fills the air at Solwal. As the vote takes place, tensions flare when Jean-Pierre confronts Sandra, but she stands strong and defends her right to her job. Ultimately, the vote results in eight in favor of Sandra, falling just short of the majority. Gratefully, she acknowledges those who supported her, including Alphonse.

In a twist, as she begins to clear her locker, Dumont summons her to his office and offers to keep her while also distributing the bonus. However, the request comes at a cost: he plans to cover the expenses by not renewing another contract worker’s employment. Refusing to accept her job at the expense of another’s livelihood, Sandra declines his offer and leaves Solwal. As she walks away, she calls Manu to share the news, recognizing their efforts with the words, > “We put up a good fight. I’m happy.”

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:27