Jeanne Herry's latest cinematic offering, 'Another Day,' also known as 'Garance,' delves into the life of an actress grappling with alcohol dependence. Adèle Exarchopoulos delivers a powerful and authentic performance as the central character, a professional who manages her addiction while navigating her career. Despite the compelling portrayal by Exarchopoulos, the film struggles with a somewhat unfocused narrative and a tendency towards heightened emotional scenes, which at times detract from its overall coherence. It aims to be a candid exploration of its protagonist's struggles, and while it achieves moments of genuine insight, its structural weaknesses are noticeable.

The film opens with an energy reminiscent of director John Cassavetes' works, particularly his examinations of alcoholism and acting in 'A Woman Under the Influence' and 'Opening Night.' Herry's creation attempts to merge these themes, presenting Garance as both a talented performer and an individual battling a severe drinking problem. This dual struggle forms the core of the narrative, highlighting the inherent contradictions in her life.

Garance's journey as an actress is depicted with a blend of humor and pathos. She faces constant challenges in her career, from slurred lines to missed rehearsals, all consequences of her excessive drinking. Her interactions with fellow actors, who eventually confront her about her habits, underscore her denial. Exarchopoulos masterfully embodies a character who insists her drinking isn't an issue, even as her actions clearly demonstrate otherwise, capturing the complex psychology of addiction.

The narrative explores Garance's tumultuous emotional landscape as she uses alcohol to cope with her inner turmoil. Her romantic life is equally chaotic, marked by brief relationships, including one with a languid film director and another with a writer who introduces her to new aspects of her sexuality. Her friendships largely revolve around shared binge-drinking escapades, painting a picture of a life consumed by partying and its aftermath.

A significant shift occurs when Garance encounters Pauline, a theater scenographer whose wholesome nature contrasts sharply with Garance's hedonistic lifestyle. Their developing relationship, which blossoms through various challenges, including a lockdown period, becomes a central focus. However, the film's depiction of Garance's ongoing struggles with alcohol, even within this new relationship, highlights the pervasive nature of her addiction, pushing her close to a point of no return.

Herry introduces a subplot involving Garance's younger sister, Charlotte, a breast cancer survivor who faces a leukemia diagnosis while pregnant. This addition, intended to heighten the drama, sometimes feels excessive, overshadowing the more authentic and raw moments that define Exarchopoulos's performance. The film's strength lies in its ability to capture the messy reality of life, a quality Exarchopoulos excels at portraying, reminiscent of her role in 'Zero F***s Given.' While Herry occasionally tries too hard to provoke emotional responses, she also skillfully injects genuine humor into the narrative. Ultimately, 'Another Day' struggles to balance its wavering plot with its more melodramatic inclinations, never quite achieving a consistent tone.

The movie is not without its moving sequences, especially during its concluding moments. Garance begins to confront her addiction with the support of an addictologist, leading to a noticeable transformation in her appearance and demeanor. The hardened facade Exarchopoulos maintained throughout much of the film gradually softens, hinting at a path toward recovery, though not without further emotional challenges. It is particularly poignant to witness Garance's genuine smiles, signaling a shift from dependency to a budding sense of sobriety.