White Material is a 2009 French film directed by Claire Denis and starring Isabelle Huppert. It is set in an unnamed Francophone African country that is on the brink of civil war, with rebels fighting against the government and inflicting terror on the local population.
The film follows Maria Vial (played by Huppert), a coffee plantation owner who is determined to harvest her crop despite the worsening situation. Maria lives on the plantation with her ex-husband André (played by Christopher Lambert), her son Manuel (played by Nicolas Duvauchelle), and her father-in-law (played by Michel Subor).
As the violence in the country escalates, Maria becomes increasingly isolated, as most of the French residents flee the country. Her workers also begin to abandon her, leaving her alone to defend her property against rebel forces. Maria's son Manuel becomes involved with the rebels, complicating the situation even further.
The film portrays the complex political and racial tensions that exist in postcolonial Africa, as well as the consequences of foreign interference and exploitation. Isabelle Huppert delivers a powerful performance as Maria, who is forced to confront her own privilege and the limits of her power in the face of a violent conflict.
White Material received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of the African continent and its complex colonial legacies. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.