Wednesday always means cinema. Today, we bring you our selection of films for the week, to guide you through the dark rooms in the best possible way.
1. Mufasa: The Lion King – Barry Jenkins
Following the resounding success of Moonlight, awarded the Oscar for Best Picture, Barry Jenkins tackles the world of Disney with Mufasa: The Lion King. This prequel explores the origins of the legendary Mufasa, offering an unprecedented depth to the iconic character. With a captivating soundtrack, the film promises a memorable cinematic experience for the whole family.
Rafiki tells the young lioness Kiara – the daughter of Simba and Nala – the legend of Mufasa. He is assisted in this by Timon and Pumbaa, whose punchlines are now well-known. Narrated through flashbacks, Mufasa’s story is that of an orphaned lion cub, alone and bewildered, who one day meets the amiable Taka, heir to a royal lineage. This fateful meeting marks the beginning of an adventure full of twists and turns of a small group of “undesirables” that has formed around them and is now in search of its destiny. Their bonds of friendship will be tested when they have to team up to escape an enemy as threatening as it is deadly…
2. Kraven the Hunter – J.C. Chandor
J.C. Chandor, known for his intense thrillers such as A Most Violent Year, delves into the superhero universe with Kraven the Hunter. This film, focusing on one of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes, promises a dark and captivating exploration of the character. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Sergei Kravinoff, delivering an intense performance that reveals the complex motivations of this ruthless hunter. Get ready for a moment rich in action and emotions.
Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his father, the ruthless Nikolai Kravinoff, draws him toward a vengeance with brutal consequences, calling him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world but also one of the most feared.
3. Sarah Bernhardt, The Divine – Guillaume Nicloux
Guillaume Nicloux, acclaimed director for films such as Valley of Love, offers us an intimate portrait of Sarah Bernhardt, one of the most legendary actresses of the 19th century. With a masterful performance by Sandrine Kiberlain in the title role, the film traces the passionate and tumultuous life of this theater icon.
Did you know that Bernhardt was nicknamed The Divine due to her unmatched talent and captivating stage presence?
Paris, 1896. Sarah Bernhardt is at the peak of her fame. An icon of her era and the first global star, the actress is also a free and modern lover who defies conventions. Discover the woman behind the legend.
4. A Family Christmas – Jeanne Gottesdiener
Jeanne Gottesdiener delivers a touching dramatic comedy with A Family Christmas. The film brings together a more than likable cast, including Didier Bourdon and Noémie Lvovsky, to explore complex family dynamics during the holiday season. Inevitable tensions await!
It’s Christmas! Carole, the mayor of a small town, is fully committed to her community’s festivities while Alain, her modern and devoted husband, organizes the family Christmas Eve. But when the children arrive, the dream of a serene Christmas collapses, and the couple undergoes an all-out attack on all family traditions in defense of the planet, animal protection, and sustainable development! Carole and Alain will do everything possible to ensure the family survives this generational clash against the backdrop of climate change…
5. Everybody Loves Touda – Nabil Ayouch
Nabil Ayouch, a committed director known for Much Loved, returns with Everybody Loves Touda, a poignant drama exploring the challenges of immigration and integration. The film highlights the remarkable performance of Nisrin Erradi in the role of Touda, a Moroccan woman facing the realities of life in France. Inspired by real testimonies, this film offers an authentic and moving perspective on the quest for dignity and belonging.
Touda dreams of becoming a Cheikha, a traditional Moroccan artist who sings without shame or censorship texts of resistance, love, and emancipation handed down through generations. Performing every night in the bars of her small provincial town under the gaze of men, Touda hopes for a better future for herself and her son. Maltreated and humiliated, she decides to leave everything behind for the lights of Casablanca…
