by Paula Smith

Irreplaceable is a film by Thomas Lilti (Hippocrates). Francois Cluzet plays the role of the main character, Jean- Pierre, who is a doctor and at the heart of the community. When he falls ill he is told that someone else is required to replace him. He does not take kindly to this notion and when Nathalie (Marianne Denicourt) is sent to second him it leads to differences of opinions and various dilemmas.

Jean-Pierre Werner is the local family doctor who is committed to all of his patients without question. He is dedicated and works around the clock to respond to the needs of the local country residents, seven days a week. He expects nothing less from the individual selected to second him during a serious illness. Nathalie arrives to be trained by Jean-Pierre however she is newly qualified and this leaves Jean-Pierre with reservations. Nathalie has to prove her worth to Werner and also the community which is no easy task for her as she comes from the city and finds country life a challenge.

Werner believes that being the local country doctor is a task which cannot be taught, indeed it must be lived. Jean-Pierre maintains the concept of the reliable family doctor in a flawless fashion and we see how the local community admire and respect him. Nathalie is a pleasant, charismatic and down to earth character and it is hard to find fault with her however Jean-Pierre confronts her way of responding to a patient. She listens to Werner and is compliant in every way while still assured and undaunted.

Nathalie’s patience and commitment to Jean-Pierre and her job finally win his affection but not without conflicts of interest. Nathalie has a no nonsense hospital approach to patients while her colleague takes account of family and community life believing that one patient in particular should stay at home although his medical needs could be met better by hospitalization. Nathalie follows her instinct and sends the patient to hospital only to be opposed by a furious Jean-Pierre.

The illness experienced by Werner gradually gets worse and little by little he begins to appreciate Nathalie’s presence both as a fellow doctor and as a person. She integrates into community life and takes a special interest in patients such as a local man she suspects may be autistic and a local girl at risk from an abusive partner. Jean-Pierre cannot help but admire this new doctor who is starting to win the hearts of the locals and we feel his fondness towards her.

As Jean-Pierre’s illness progresses the film throws questions of mortality at us. Should one proceed with treatment which may or may not help? Should palliative care take place in the home? Is it better to inform others of serious illness? Werner keeps it to him-self however when Nathalie conducts an x- ray on him after a fall she notices that something is not right. The way she conceals her knowledge is very supportive and respectful and we see that she is affected by his illness.

The film is acted impeccably with a thought provoking sound track. Irreplaceable is a film for laughter and tears. It reminds us that the human touch is everything. A thoroughly enjoyable film.

[imdb id=tt5078326]

 

 

 

Paula Smith
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