Jailbirds

Synopsis

Jailbirds (La Taularde) is a French thriller drama released in 2016, directed by Audrey Estrougo and starring Sophie Marceau in the lead role. The film explores the harrowing experience of Mathilde Leroy, a woman who voluntarily chooses to go to prison in order to protect her husband convicted of drug trafficking. Immersed in the brutal and unforgiving environment of a women's prison, Mathilde must navigate the harsh realities, build alliances, and confront the psychological and physical challenges of incarceration. The story delves deeply into themes of sacrifice, motherhood, the justice system, and the strength required to survive behind bars, showcasing a gripping and intense narrative that highlights the emotional turmoil of a woman trapped between love and survival.

Cast

• 

  Sophie Marceau

  Mathilde Leroy

• 

  Suzanne Clément

  Anita Lopes

• 

  Anne Le Ny

  Marthe Brunet

• 

  Alice Belaïdi

  Samira Belhadj

• 

  Eye Haïdara

  Nato Kanté

• 

  Pauline Burlet

  Jeanne

Reviews

Critics have provided mixed but generally favorable reviews for Jailbirds. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.1/10 based on user reviews, indicating moderate appreciation from the audience. Rotten Tomatoes does not feature a consensus score for the film, reflecting its relatively limited international exposure. Critics have praised Sophie Marceau's committed and compelling performance, noting that she brings depth and nuance to a challenging role. The New York Times highlighted the film's intense atmosphere and raw depiction of prison life, emphasizing its unflinching portrayal of hardship and resilience without resorting to clichés. However, some reviewers pointed out that the film's pacing can be uneven, and the narrative sometimes veers into melodrama. Metacritic scores are not available, but various French cinema outlets have noted the film's strong social commentary and realistic approach to women's incarceration. Overall, Jailbirds is seen as a powerful, character-driven drama that shines through its lead performance, even if it does not significantly innovate within its genre.