THE recession may be arguably on its way out but it casts its long shadow on this film by the acclaimed Dardenne brothers.

Two Days, One Night could bring back memories for anyone who has faced redundancy and fought for their livelihood.

The French film sees Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, Rust and Bone) play Sandra who returns to work after a bout of depression only to find that her job is threatened by the very people she works with.

Her heartless boss reckons the job can be done just as well without Sandra so he offers the workforce a bonus if they vote for her to lose her job.

And so starts Sandra's humbling journey over a single weekend to convince her colleagues to change their mind.

Some genuinely need the bonus while others are selfish and have a complete lack of empathy and the powerful film also shows you the impact it has on Sandra personally and her family.

It is, at times, painful to watch but superbly acted and Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne show that there can be as much drama in everyday life as there is in any blockbuster.

The only criticism is the film's ending which falls a little flat.

DAVID MORGAN