Jack, the son, works as a ski instructor and has an accident at work. Since the insurance won’t cover the costs, his divorced parents make their way in the car from Belgium to the French Alps. They drive there and they drive back. There is little else that happens in the film, but the little that does happen is told with great tenderness and precise quiet humour. It is clear that Lisa and Frans have been on many road trips together and always have the same dialogue. Driving too fast scares her. He hates being in the passenger’s seat. She asks, “should we stop for a picnic.” “No, but you can give me a sandwich,” he answers. She passes it to him. If they still had been together, they may have started to fight at this point. But they are now more relaxed with each other. With TENDERNESS, Marion Hänsel gives us a filmic rarity, a divorced couple that has survived the breakup and are still fond of each other. It works due to the extraordinary performances by Olivier Gourmet as Frans and the wonderful Marilyne Canto. Incidentally: the chanson at the end of the film – for those who are interested – is “La tendresse” by Bourvil.

Hendrike Bake