A collection of films explores various themes such as comedy, friendship, and resilience. “Never Without My Shrink” humorously depicts a psychoanalyst’s life turned upside down by a patient. “Saint-Ex” follows a pilot’s adventurous journey in search of a friend. “Women on the Balcony” focuses on three women seeking freedom through obsession. “Twenty Gods” features a young man pursuing cheese-making glory. “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” delves into Rohan’s history. Other narratives include heartfelt quests and social justice themes.
Never Without My Shrink: A Comedy of Errors
Featuring a talented cast including Christian Clavier, Baptiste Lecaplain, and Claire Chust, “Never Without My Shrink” follows the life of Dr. Béranger, a renowned psychoanalyst seemingly living the dream. However, his perfect life is thrown into chaos by a highly anxious and overly attached patient, Damien Leroy. In a bid to rid himself of Damien, Dr. Béranger convinces him that the key to healing lies in finding true love.
Just when Dr. Béranger is set to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary, his world turns upside down when his daughter announces that she has found her soulmate—none other than Damien. What was meant to be a joyous occasion is poised to spiral into a comedic disaster.
Fun Fact: In 2025, Christian Clavier will star in the comedy “The Million” by Grégoire Vigneron, reuniting with Rayane Bensetti, who plays Baptiste Lecaplain’s rival in “Never Without My Shrink.”
Saint-Ex: A Tale of Friendship and Perseverance
Starring Louis Garrel, Diane Kruger, and Vincent Cassel, “Saint-Ex” transports viewers to 1930s Argentina, where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a dedicated pilot for Aéropostale, embarks on a perilous mission to find his missing friend, Henri Guillaumet. As he traverses the daunting Andes mountains, Saint-Ex pushes his limits and discovers that his ability to dream is his greatest asset.
Did you know? Director Pablo Agüero hails from the region where Saint-Exupéry once flew. He shares how “The Little Prince” inspired him during challenging times, shaping his imaginative world.
Women on the Balcony: A Quest for Freedom
In “Women on the Balcony,” directed by Noémie Merlant and featuring Souheila Yacoub and Sanda Codreanu, three women in a scorching Marseille apartment become entangled in a thrilling and obsessive affair with a mysterious neighbor. As they navigate their desires, their ultimate goal is to reclaim their freedom.
Interesting Note: Noémie Merlant began writing this film solo four years prior, later collaborating with Céline Sciamma, who directed her in “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.”
Twenty Gods: A Coming-of-Age Story
“Twenty Gods” introduces Totone, an 18-year-old who spends his days in Jura, drinking beers and hanging out with friends. Faced with the responsibilities of caring for his 7-year-old sister, he embarks on a journey to craft the finest cheese in the region, aiming for the coveted gold medal at the agricultural competition.
Fun Fact: Filmed in Jura, director Louise Courvoisier drew inspiration from her childhood experiences and the people around her to create a realistic narrative.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
This animated feature, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, is set 183 years before the events of the original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It delves into the history of the House of Helm Hammerhand, king of Rohan, as they face a brutal attack from the vengeful lord Wulf. The inhabitants of Rohan take refuge in the fortress of Hornburg, later known as Helm’s Deep, as they brace for battle.
Did you know? “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” marks the sixth animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
Festive Films: Christmas and Adventure
In “Teddy Bear’s Christmas,” directed by Andrea Eckerbom, young Marianne eagerly anticipates the holiday season while dreaming of a cute teddy bear she spotted at a Christmas market. The film captures the innocent excitement of Christmas through her eyes.
Meanwhile, “Christmas at Miller’s Point,” directed by Tyler Taormina and featuring Matilda Fleming and Michael Cera, showcases a middle-class Italian-American family’s Christmas Eve filled with warmth and tension. As family dynamics shift, one teenager escapes with a friend to explore the winter suburbs.
Fascinating Insight: Tyler Taormina’s inspiration for this film stems from his family’s Christmas traditions in Long Island, which have endured for fifty years.
Exploring Complex Narratives
“Fotogenico,” directed by Marcia Romano and Benoit Sabatier, tells the poignant story of Raoul, who travels to Marseille after his daughter’s death. As he uncovers the truth about her life, he learns she recorded an album with a group of girls. Driven by love, he sets out to reunite them, no matter the cost.
In “No Nos Moveran,” lawyer Socorro is consumed by her quest to find the soldier responsible for her brother’s death during the Tlatelolco massacre in 1968. After years of relentless searching, she finally catches a lead that may bring her closer to the truth.
Lastly, “FARC Guerrilla, the Future Has a Story” reflects on the 50-year history of the Colombian guerrilla, featuring firsthand accounts from those who fought for their beliefs amidst social and political turmoil.