Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: THE MAD WOMEN’S BALL [Toronto International Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]

The aspect of belief and rigidity of a system can blind those who think science in an absolute. This is why sometimes it makes sense to see both sides of the story perhaps even for a small moment. Of course, compassion and self interest also take a prominent view. The texture of mental illness is more understood and perhaps a tad less stigmatized but still, in many ways, it is fraught with superstition and fear (because many times it can't be controlled). The path of Eugenie (played by the wonderful Lou de Laage) in "The Mad Women's Ball" [Gala] is a journey of individuality in a guide of illness in a relatively recent time where this was frowned upon or not allowed because of societal norms. Eugenie is beautiful and smart (though plagued by voices she cannot control -- imagined or not). This leads her on a path away from what she could have been. It is not a matter of playing by the rules. She was born of a different age and thought process but also does not understand until too late how to mask if necessary...not that she should. The fear and apprehension in the way Laage plays her character (under the tutelage of steady-handed writer, director and co-star Melanie Laurent) is undeniable. The first act into the 2nd Act when Eugenie is becoming acclimated against her own will is heartbreaking but also strong as she comes to understand maybe in a sane way with a degree of outside understanding the real problems that are happening due to an abuse of power, societal prejudices and general cruelty because the law allows it.

Laurent plays the head nurse who herself is stuck between logic and emotion but she too sees the restrictions and prejudices of the day. The ending, though necessary seems almost a letdown to the build up where something more dramatic could have happened to seal the inevitability of the problem. However that likely did not serve the overall vision. In that way, although needed, the epilogue (more likely as a point) seems too bathed in metaphor than a reflection of reality (since it doesn't seem befitting of Laurent's character --- even if the sacrifice --- in her mind --- is warranted). Laage becomes more worldly as time goes on but it is that fear, intelligence, breeding, beauty and lack of control in the beginning that truly moves. This is true especially in her interaction with some of the girls, especially one who seems to just want to love and create some kind of happiness against the selflessness of herself (which ultimately turns tragic). "The Mad Women's Ball" is an interesting idea and well-conceived for the most part with a luminous turn from a new to Western audiences talent in Lou de Laage. B-

By Tim Wassberg