Sempervirens

When Claude Jacot fell off his bicycle, his life changed forever. The brain damage he suffered had a huge impact on him: he is barely able to move, has difficulty speaking and can’t remember the names of his children. He has been admitted to a neurological rehabilitation facility to recuperate. A group of professional and highly motivated doctors, nurses and physiotherapists are trying to put Claude back on track. The road is long, and tremendous effort is required every step of the way. Claude and his caregivers work with a great deal of patience to ensure his recovery, and he gradually gains more movement by playing simple games and using ingenious technology. With this intimate portrait, director Raphaël Dubach captures both the decline and the path to recovery. He closely follows the process to which Claude must devote himself if he is to return to his former self. Slowly but surely, he learns how to use his body again; memories return, and more and more of his personality resurfaces.