Melanie, 16, is an ordinary teenager who divides her time between school, friends, going out, cello lessons, and her mother. Online she becomes friends with a boy, not realizing that he is linked to the Islamic State. Sonia, 17, is seduced by Islamist discourse and almost leaves for Syria to join the cause before her parents stop her from doing so. Through these two girls, the movie offers insight into helpless parents, lost children and a silent war.

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In the wake of two lighter films, Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar aims her camera at a harsher reality. Once in a Lifetime was a sympathetic look at the true story of a difficult class helped by a teacher. In this film, the subject is even more complex and topical, and the director offers an honest, fair and sensitive drama. Excellent performances by the cast (Sandrine Bonnaire, Clotilde Coureau, Naomi Amarger, Noémie Merlant) make them a perfect fit for the story, and the often harsh screenplay prevents the film from falling into the usual melodrama.