AtanariaThe French film industry is set to captivate global audiences in 2025, with a diverse slate of releases spanning various genres and themes. From stirring dramas to thought-provoking documentaries and thrilling narratives, French cinema continues to explore the nuances of the human experience. With both established directors and emerging voices at the helm, 2025 promises to be a standout year for French film, reflecting the country’s rich storytelling tradition and its evolving landscape. Below is an expanded look at some of the most anticipated French films set for release in the coming year.
1. Jouer avec le feu by Delphine and Muriel Coulin (January 22)
Renowned for their socially conscious narratives, the Coulin sisters—Delphine and Muriel—return to the big screen with Jouer avec le feu (Playing with Fire), a film based on Laurent Petitmangin’s novel Ce qu’il faut de nuit. This gripping drama centers on a widowed father and his two sons, one of whom becomes increasingly radicalized and drawn into extremist ideologies. Set in a small town where the tensions of contemporary French society simmer, the film examines the fragile balance between family loyalty, societal pressures, and the allure of dangerous ideologies. Featuring powerhouse performances from Vincent Lindon, Benjamin Voisin, and Stefan Crepon, Jouer avec le feu is expected to be a taut, emotional exploration of personal and political turmoil. The Coulin sisters’ acute sensitivity to societal undercurrents promises a nuanced narrative that will resonate deeply with audiences.
2. Apprendre by Claire Simon (January 29)
In Apprendre (Learning), Claire Simon’s documentary takes viewers into the heart of an elementary school in Ivry-sur-Seine, offering an intimate look at the daily lives of children and the teachers who guide them. The film captures the innocence and struggles of childhood within the confines of a public school system, showcasing the complex dynamics of learning, social interaction, and the systemic challenges children face. Simon, known for her observational style, creates an empathetic and almost poetic portrayal of a school as a microcosm of society. The documentary promises to tug at the heartstrings while addressing the broader themes of education and community. Simon’s focus on the beauty of small moments and the shared human experience gives Apprendre the potential to become one of the most powerful documentaries of 2025.
3. L’Attachement by Carine Tardieu (February 19)
Carine Tardieu’s L’Attachement (The Attachment) explores the complexities of human connection and the unexpected bonds that form across the barriers of independence. Based on Alice Ferney’s novel L’Intimité, the film tells the story of Sandra, a fiercely independent woman portrayed by Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi, who unexpectedly becomes entangled with her neighbor’s family. Tardieu crafts a deeply moving narrative that delves into the emotional intricacies of intimacy, attachment, and the inherent vulnerability of human beings. The rich emotional landscape of the film is enhanced by Bruni-Tedeschi’s nuanced performance, which is poised to strike a chord with audiences. This touching drama is set to be one of the most anticipated films for its ability to explore complex emotional terrain with authenticity.
4. Magma by Cyprien Vial (March 5)
Set against the backdrop of the stunning volcanic landscapes of Guadeloupe, Magma follows a team of volcanologists as they navigate the dangers and ethical dilemmas during a volcanic eruption. Directed by Cyprien Vial, the film is as much about the personal and professional struggles of its characters as it is about the political and environmental ramifications of the eruption. The volcanic terrain, acting almost as a character in itself, plays a key role in the film’s aesthetic and thematic explorations of nature’s power and humanity’s fragile relationship with it. With Marina Foïs and Théo Christine in lead roles, Magma promises to be a visually striking film that tackles questions of generational conflict, cultural identity, and the environmental issues that continue to shape the modern world.
5. Belladone by Alanté Kavaité (March 19)
In Belladone, Alanté Kavaité takes a dark and psychological turn with a suspenseful narrative that delves into paranoia, fear, and isolation. Set on a remote island, the film follows Gaëlle (Nadia Tereszkiewicz), a caregiver to the elderly, whose life unravels when a series of mysterious deaths occurs among the island’s inhabitants. As tensions rise, Gaëlle must confront her own psyche, as well as the increasingly sinister atmosphere surrounding the island. The film’s atmosphere is palpable, with Kavaité’s skill in blending suspense with psychological drama creating an intense and thought-provoking viewing experience. Belladone is expected to be a standout thriller, offering a chilling commentary on human vulnerability and the psychology of fear.
6. Oxana by Charlène Favier (April 30)
Charlène Favier’s Oxana is a biographical drama centered on Oksana Chatchko, one of the co-founders of the feminist group Femen. The film traces Chatchko’s tumultuous life, from her roots in Ukraine to her revolutionary activism that would challenge societal norms and global attitudes toward women’s rights. Favier brings a deeply personal lens to this biopic, focusing on the emotional and physical toll of activism. Premiered at the Arcs Film Festival, Oxana promises to be both a tribute to a remarkable woman and an exploration of the power and price of resistance. The film’s focus on the intersection of personal sacrifice and political change ensures it will be a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences passionate about social justice and women’s rights.
7. Vie privée by Rebecca Zlotowski (2025)
Rebecca Zlotowski, an acclaimed French director, screenwriter, and actress, is set to return in 2025 with her sixth feature film, Vie privée (Private Life). Known for her thought-provoking films such as Belle Épine, Grand Central, and Une fille facile, Zlotowski continues to collaborate with some of the biggest names in contemporary French cinema. Her latest project promises to be a gripping psychological thriller that stars two extraordinary actresses: French talent Virginie Efira and American icon Jodie Foster.
Foster, a renowned actress with an extensive career in both Hollywood and French cinema (notably in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Un long dimanche de fiançailles and Claude Chabrol’s Le sang des autres), makes her return to a French production with Vie privée, twenty years after her last appearance in a French film. Zlotowski, known for her exploration of multifaceted femininity, has created a narrative that examines the complex lives and relationships of two women at the top of their careers. With Efira and Foster both playing key roles, the film is expected to delve deep into themes of identity, privacy, and the public versus private lives of women in the spotlight.
The film will also feature a stellar supporting cast, including Daniel Auteuil, Mathieu Amalric, Vincent Lacoste, and Luàna Bajrami. This intriguing ensemble cast, combined with Zlotowski’s sharp directorial vision, makes Vie privée one of the most anticipated French films of 2025. Zlotowski’s keen eye for exploring the psychological intricacies of her characters suggests that this film will be an intense, emotionally charged examination of personal boundaries and the secrets we hide from the world.
8. Alpha by Julia Ducournau (2025)
Julia Ducournau, the visionary director who made history with her Palme d’Or win at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival for Titane, is set to make her highly anticipated return to the big screen with Alpha. The film is already generating significant buzz, partly due to Ducournau’s previous successes, which cemented her as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema. She became only the second female director to win the Palme d’Or, following Jane Campion’s The Piano and preceding Justine Triet’s Anatomie d’une chute. Alpha is expected to be another bold, genre-defying work, but details surrounding the plot remain scarce, keeping the public in suspense.
The film stars the talented Golshifteh Farahani, known for her roles in Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson and Louis Garrel’s Les deux amis, alongside the critically acclaimed Tahar Rahim, who won a César Award in 2010 for his performance in Jacques Audiard’s Un prophète and more recently starred in the mini-series Le Serpent. Though the plot is under wraps, the film’s production companies, FilmNation and Charades, have stated that Alpha will be “the most personal and profound work” of Ducournau’s career. The director is known for her exploration of themes such as family dynamics, the complexities of love, and the concept of monstrosity—whether literal or metaphorical. Given her unique cinematic style, it is likely that Alpha will continue her exploration of human nature through bold, visually striking, and emotionally intense storytelling.
With its enigmatic premise, star-studded cast, and Ducournau’s ever-evolving directorial vision, Alpha is poised to become one of the most talked-about films of 2025, and will undoubtedly captivate global audiences with its daring approach to the human condition.
A Renaissance of Female Filmmakers
2025 will also mark a resurgence of female filmmakers in French cinema. Julia Ducournau, the Palme d’Or-winning director of Titane, and Rebecca Zlotowski, known for Les Enfants des autres, are leading a new wave of visionary female directors. Both are expected to release highly anticipated projects in 2025 that will continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and genre in French cinema. These films are poised to showcase their unique perspectives, offering a fresh lens on themes such as identity, trauma, and the complexities of modern life.
With these films, French cinema in 2025 will once again prove its status as a vibrant force in the global film landscape. From intimate, character-driven dramas to speculative narratives that question the future of society, the year ahead promises to be a year of bold storytelling and innovative filmmaking. Whether it’s exploring the quiet nuances of childhood, confronting societal extremism, or plunging into thrilling psychological territory, these films underscore the diversity, emotional depth, and creative energy that define French cinema. For cinephiles, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year, celebrating both the enduring legacy and the exciting future of French filmmaking.
