Vagabond (1985), directed by Agnès Varda, is a haunting French drama that tells the story of a young drifter named Mona, played by Sandrine Bonnaire. The film opens with Mona’s frozen body being discovered in a ditch, and from there, the narrative unfolds in a series of flashbacks pieced together through the memories of the people she encountered during her final weeks.

Mona is a fiercely independent spirit who has rejected the constraints of conventional society. With no clear goal or destination, she wanders through the French countryside, surviving through a combination of odd jobs, chance encounters, and sheer willpower. Along the way, she meets a variety of characters—some who offer her kindness, others who view her with suspicion or contempt. Yet despite their differing perspectives, no one truly understands Mona, and she remains an enigmatic and lonely figure.

Varda’s direction blends fiction with documentary-style realism, giving Vagabond a raw, almost journalistic feel. Through Mona’s journey, the film explores themes of freedom, alienation, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. Sandrine Bonnaire’s powerful, understated performance earned her the César Award for Best Actress, and the film itself is often praised for its unflinching honesty and emotional depth.

Vagabond is a deeply moving and thought-provoking portrait of a woman who refuses to be confined by social norms, even as it leads her toward an inevitable and tragic end.