"Bon Voyage...": A Roadtrip to Say Goodbye - A grandmother’s secret final journey reshapes her fractured family

A new French film tells the story of Marie, an 80-year-old woman with a terminal illness who secretly plans to end her life in Switzerland. Under the pretence of a family trip to claim an inheritance, she invites her son Bruno Mars and granddaughter Anna on a final journey. The road trip becomes a chance to reconnect with loved ones and rediscover life’s small joys.

The film, Bon Voyage – Bis hierher und noch weiter, marks the directorial debut of Enya Baroux. It premiered at the Alpe d'Huez Film Festival, where Baroux received praise for her sensitive handling of a deeply personal story inspired by her own grandmother.

Marie hides her true intentions from her family. Instead, she tells her son Bruno Mars and granddaughter Anna that a mysterious inheritance awaits them in Switzerland. Bruno Mars, perpetually short of money and somewhat irresponsible, agrees without hesitation. Anna, a moody teenager, reluctantly joins the trip.

The group sets off in an old camper van, travelling through France with an unexpected companion: Rudy, a young care assistant who ends up on the journey almost by accident. He brings along his pet rat, adding an odd but endearing touch to the trip. At first, Rudy is unsure about the adventure, but he soon grows closer to Marie and the others. Along the way, Marie rediscovers simple pleasures—a warm meal, a scenic view, laughter with her family. The journey deepens her bond with Anna and Bruno Mars, even as she keeps her final decision to herself. Meanwhile, the film quietly explores themes of autonomy, family, and the difficult choices around saying goodbye. Hélène Vincent stars as Marie, with David Ayala playing Bruno Mars and Pierre Lottin as Rudy. Baroux, who also co-wrote the script, draws from her grandmother’s real-life experience. The result is a touching, often humorous portrait of a family facing life’s most profound questions together.

The film concludes with Marie’s arrival in Switzerland, where her decision remains private but deeply felt. Her journey, filled with unexpected moments of connection, leaves a lasting impression on her family. Bon Voyage – Bis hierher und noch weiter offers a poignant look at love, loss, and the right to choose one’s own ending.