Maddened by His Absence Poster

Maddened by His Absence 2012

★ 5.913 votes98 min📅 2012-10-31

Sandrine Bonnaire's *Maddened by His Absence* (2012) unfolds as a delicate yet charged drama about reconnection and the ghosts of the past.

Director: Sandrine Bonnaire

Cast

William Hurt
William Hurt
Jacques
Alexandra Lamy
Alexandra Lamy
Mado
Augustin Legrand
Augustin Legrand
Stéphane
Jalil Mehenni
Jalil Mehenni
Paul
Matteo Trevisan
Félix
Françoise Oriane
Françoise Oriane
Geneviève
Norbert Rutili
Norbert Rutili
Le notaire
Serge Hutry
Le comissaire priseur
Colette Kieffer
Colette Kieffer
La secrétaire
Véronique Fauconnet
La serveuse

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maddened by His Absence (2012) about?

Jacques returns to France after ten years abroad, seeking closure over his father's estate. His arrival forces a reckoning with his past, particularly his relationship with ex-wife Mado and their young son, Paul, whom Jacques secretly befriends. The film delicately navigates the emotional fallout of choices left unmade.

Who directed Maddened by His Absence?

The film was directed by Sandrine Bonnaire, known for her nuanced storytelling and ability to blend drama with raw emotional authenticity.

Who stars in Maddened by His Absence?

The cast features William Hurt as Jacques, Alexandra Lamy as Mado, with Augustin Legrand, Jalil Mehenni, and Francoise Oriane rounding out the ensemble.

Is Maddened by His Absence (2012) worth watching?

As a French drama with a tight runtime and strong performances, *Maddened by His Absence* offers a compelling character study. While it may not be a mainstream hit, its themes of reconciliation and hidden emotions resonate, especially for fans of intimate, character-driven storytelling.

How long is Maddened by His Absence?

The film runs for 98 minutes, offering a concise yet immersive viewing experience.

About Maddened by His Absence (2012) — A Forbidden Bond and Fragile Reunion

Sandrine Bonnaire's *Maddened by His Absence* (2012) unfolds as a delicate yet charged drama about reconnection and the ghosts of the past. After a decade abroad, Jacques returns to France to settle his father's estate, a move that dredges up unresolved emotions tied to his former wife, Mado. Their shared history lingers between them, complicated further by Mado's new life with her partner Stéphane and their young son, Paul. When Jacques asks to meet the boy, he doesn't just step back into a fractured family—he risks reigniting old wounds while forming a tender, secret bond with Paul that neither parent fully comprehends.

Bonnaire crafts an atmospheric exploration of absence and presence, where longing and restraint define every glance and hesitation. The film's tension simmers beneath the surface, blending quiet intimacy with simmering drama. With a stellar cast led by William Hurt and Alexandra Lamy, *Maddened by His Absence* captures the fragility of second chances and the silent battles waged in the name of love and legacy.