Two Days, One Night

Two Days, One Night

Year: 2014

Runtime: 95 min

Language: French

Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Drama

A woman is offered a chance to keep her job, but only if her colleagues agree to forfeit their bonuses. Facing potential unemployment, she spends a weekend desperately trying to convince them to help her. The unfolding events explore themes of desperation, human connection, and the lengths people will go to in times of uncertainty, revealing surprising insights into the relationships between coworkers and the value of employment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Two Days, One Night (2014)

Trace every key event in Two Days, One Night (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sandra's Return to Work

Sandra prepares to resume her job at Solwal after a medical leave due to depression. Her return is met with unexpected news about her position, igniting a series of events that will challenge her mental strength.

Seraing, Belgium
2

The Ultimatum from Mr. Dumont

Factory manager Mr. Dumont reveals to the employees that they can choose to keep Sandra or take a €1,000 bonus. This shocking ultimatum leads to a division among her coworkers and a painful realization for Sandra that only two supported her.

Solwal Factory
3

Sandra's Devastation

Upon learning that she is not wanted back at the factory, Sandra is devastated and feels a deep sense of worthlessness. This revelation puts her relationships with her coworkers in a new light and adds to her emotional turmoil.

4

Support from Manu and Juliette

Sandra's husband, Manu, and her friend Juliette encourage her to confront Mr. Dumont about the situation. Their support helps Sandra muster the courage to stand up for herself despite her fears of rejection.

5

The Secret Ballot Arrangement

Mr. Dumont agrees to hold a second secret ballot to reconsider the votes. This decision provides a glimmer of hope for Sandra, making her resolve to fight for her job stronger.

Monday morning Solwal Factory
6

Sandra's Challenge to Her Coworkers

Over the weekend, Sandra makes the difficult decision to reach out to her coworkers who voted against her. She faces various challenges, including rejection from some of her former friends, but also finds unexpected allies.

Over the weekend Various Homes
7

Confrontation with Jean-Marc

Sandra discovers that Jean-Marc is pressuring coworkers to maintain their original votes against her due to a bias stemming from her mental health struggles. This adds to the weight of her situation as she seeks to change hearts and minds.

8

Emotional Breakdown and Support

Feeling overwhelmed, Sandra confides in Manu about a past overdose attempt. In a moment of vulnerability, she receives the emotional support and medical intervention she desperately needs.

Hospital
9

Pressure from Alphonse

Sandra learns from Alphonse that he too has been influenced by Jean-Marc to vote against her, emphasizing the pervasive pressure within the factory. This conversation reveals the personal stakes for all involved.

Solwal Factory
10

The Voting Day

On the day of the secret ballot, tension is palpable within Solwal. As the vote commences, Sandra stands her ground when confronted, passionately defending her right to keep her job.

Monday Solwal Factory
11

Vote Outcome

The results of the ballot indicate support for Sandra, with eight votes in her favor, but it is not enough to secure her job. This outcome reflects the divided sentiments among her coworkers and leaves Sandra disheartened.

12

Dumont's Offer

In a surprising turn of events, Dumont offers to keep Sandra employed while redistributing the bonus among the workers. However, this comes at the cost of another colleague losing their job, placing Sandra in a moral dilemma.

Dumont's Office
13

Sandra's Refusal

Refusing to accept a job at the expense of someone else’s livelihood, Sandra strongly declines Dumont's offer. This decision underlines her integrity and compassion, solidifying her character's strength.

14

Walking Away

As Sandra leaves Solwal for the last time, she reflects on the ordeal with her husband Manu. Their conversation encapsulates the struggle, ending with her feeling proud of the fight they put up together.

Outside Solwal Factory

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:27

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Two Days, One Night Summary

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Two Days, One Night Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Two Days, One Night

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