Joy

What to do with the ashes in the cocoa can, the remains of someone who has neither an urn nor any living relatives? The mortician, Serge, is a lonely man who leads a monotonous and joyless existence — and the only person attending the funeral happens to be his ex-wife. Serge has also had to look after their daughter, Inès, at short notice. His attempt to give the deceased stranger a dignified funeral creates an opportunity to repair his relationship with Inès.

Directed by Gillie Cinneri, Joy leans on a strong ensemble — Georges Siatidis, Marouan Iddoub, Pierre Nisse — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2023.