Age of Panic: Justine Triet Before the Palme d’Or

March 22, 2024 5 min read

The After Hours will screen Age of Panic (French title: La bataille de Solférino), a film by Justine Triet released in 2013. Set against the backdrop of the 2012 French presidential election, the film captures Paris at a moment of political tension, street protests, and public unrest.

Justine Triet, a French director, screenwriter, and editor, has built a striking career marked by sharp social observation and emotional precision. The year 2023 became a milestone when she won the Palme d’Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival for Anatomy of a Fall. The courtroom thriller earned wide acclaim from audiences and critics alike, confirming Triet as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary cinema. The win was historic, making her only the third woman to receive Cannes’ highest honor.

Justine Triet, winner of the 2024 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for *Anatomy of a Fall* (image: *Elle*)

Her momentum continued in 2024 when Triet made history again as the first French woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director. She also took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, further solidifying her global standing.

Age of Panic follows a single mother, played by Laetitia Dosch, as she navigates personal and professional struggles amid political chaos and mass demonstrations in Paris. The film balances private turmoil with public disorder, reflecting a society under pressure and a woman trying to stay afloat within it.

Praised for its raw energy and close attention to contemporary French life, Age of Panic stands out for its realism, strong performances, and clear-eyed look at modern urban anxiety. Even as Triet’s debut feature, the film already shows the confidence and sensitivity that would later define her major works.

*Age of Panic (La bataille de Solférino)* is Justine Triet’s debut feature, set during the 2012 French presidential election and the street protests that shook Paris. Image courtesy of Variety.

The After Hours is an offline program by Jakarta Cinema Club, organized by THE PAGE podcast team and open to all film lovers. This edition is presented in collaboration with Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI). The screening will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 7:00 PM at IFI Thamrin, Central Jakarta. Whether you come alone or with friends, you will find good company and shared curiosity in the room.