In the hustle and bustle of Paris's Gare du Nord, the paths of Ismaël, Mathilde, Sacha, and Joan cross. Ismaël, a sociology student, is conducting surveys for the RATP and meets Mathilde, a history professor. A tender relationship develops between the two. Sacha is desperately searching for his missing daughter, while Joan, a former student of Mathilde's, divides her time between Lille, London, and Paris.
The station is not just a backdrop, but becomes a protagonist in its own right. With its incessant movement and diversity, it reflects the complexity of urban life. Claire Simon weaves documentary elements with fictional narrative strands to create a multifaceted portrait of a place where countless stories unfold every day.
The director, known for her hybrid narrative style, uses real encounters and improvised dialogue to create authenticity. The film premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in 2013 and received positive reviews for its innovative structure and portrayal of urban life.
With GARE DU NORD, Claire Simon has created an impressive portrait of a city that focuses on the fleeting moments of human interaction and captures the diversity and challenges of modern life.
