Heal the Living

R%C3%A9parer les vivants

Heal the Living (Réparer les vivants) is a French drama film directed by Katell Quillévéré and released in 2016. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Maylis de Kerangal. It explores the emotional complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding organ donation, weaving together the lives of the donor, the recipients, and their families.

Plot

The story begins with a tragic accident that leaves a young surfer, Simon Limbres, brain dead. His parents are faced with the devastating decision of whether to donate his organs. As they grapple with their grief and the decision at hand, the narrative expands to include the stories of the potential organ recipients, including a woman in desperate need of a heart transplant. The film delicately traces the journey of Simon's heart as it moves from one life to another, highlighting the interconnectedness of human lives and the impact of organ donation.

Cast

• Tahar Rahim as Thomas Rémige, the organ donation coordinator who guides the grieving family through the donation process.
• Emmanuelle Seigner as Marianne Limbres, Simon's mother.
• Anne Dorval as Claire Méjean, the heart transplant recipient.
• Bouli Lanners as Pierre Révol, a doctor involved in the transplant process.
• Kool Shen as Vincent Limbres, Simon's father.

Themes

Heal the Living addresses themes of life, death, and the moral and ethical questions surrounding organ donation. It explores the pain of loss and the hope that can emerge from grief, as well as the medical and emotional processes involved in organ transplantation. The film is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the legacy left by those who give after death.

Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject, the performances of its cast, and its beautiful cinematography. Critics praised Quillévéré's direction and the screenplay for their ability to weave multiple narratives into a cohesive and moving story.

See Also

• Organ donation
• Medical ethics
• Grief