Gervaise, directed by René Clément, is a French drama film that follows the titular character, Gervaise Macquart, played by Maria Schell, as she navigates through poverty, violence, and addiction in 19th century Paris. Gervaise is a struggling laundress who is married to a drunkard, Coupeau (played by François Périer), and they have two children together. Despite her continual efforts to keep her family afloat, Coupeau's drinking worsens, leading to a downward spiral for both him and Gervaise.
As Gervaise tries to support her family, she also faces ostracization from her community due to her relationship with Coupeau. She is forced to make difficult choices, including selling her possessions and making sacrifices to ensure that her children are safe and well-fed. Despite her hardships, Gervaise remains resilient, even when tragedy strikes.
The film is a poignant and honest portrayal of poverty and alcoholism, portraying the harsh realities of the time period and the struggles faced by lower-class individuals. Gervaise highlights the strength and perseverance of its protagonist as she tries to overcome the obstacles in her path and provides a captivating insight into the lives of ordinary people in 19th century France.