Updated yesterday at 6:00 am.
Richelieu by Pier-Philippe Chevigny
“Pier-Philippe Chevigny masters the sequence shots that follow the characters, even during a climax that will take your breath away,” wrote The New York Times in June about Richelieu, the Quebec filmmaker’s first feature, which appeared at the Fantasia festival. Festival was presented Tribeca and Carlsbad. Ariane (Ariane Castellanos) is a young interpreter at a food factory that employs Guatemalan workers. In response to the intransigence of her boss (Marc-André Grondin), she befriends these temporary workers and defends them against the exploitation to which they fall victim.
In cinemas from September 1st
Solo, by Sophie Dupuis
The third feature film from the talented Sophie Dupuis (Chien de garde, Souterrain) is eligible for a prestigious gala presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Quebec filmmaker finds her favorite actor, Théodore Pellerin, in the role of Simon, a rising star of the Montreal drag queen scene who falls for her bar show’s new recruit, Olivier (Félix Mariteau, revealed by 120 Beats), in love per minute by Robin Campillo).
In cinemas from September 15th
Just like Sylvain, by Monia Chokri
Our late colleague Marc-André Lussier called Simple as Sylvain, presented in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival last May, the best film by Monia Chokri (My Brother’s Wife, Babysitter). I agree. This love story at first sight between a philosophy teacher (Magalie Lépine-Blondeau) and a building contractor (Pierre-Yves Cardinal), an urban intellectual and a rural counselor, is an opportunity for the Quebecois filmmaker to turn her gaze full of insight and humor on social divisions and class contempt, love, couples and female desire.
In cinemas from September 22nd
Testament, by Denys Arcand
Rémy Girard, longtime collaborator of Denys Arcand, is headlining Testament, a satirical comedy that the venerable Quebec filmmaker announces as his latest film. In Les Invasions Barbares, Girard plays a cynical pensioner who regains faith in humanity thanks to the birth of an unexpected love. His character, it is said, seeks new standards “in a time of political correctness, identity development, protests, cultural scandals, activism, media storms and other protests.” It promises to provoke a reaction…
In cinemas from October 5th
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consensual Suicide, by Ariane Louis-Seize
Quebecois Ariane Louis-Seize’s first feature film was selected at the 80th Venice Film Festival in the “Venice Days” section, where “Incendies” by Denis Villeneuve and “CRAZY” by Jean-Marc Vallée were presented. Humanist Vampire on a Quest for Consensual Suicide tells the incredible story of Sasha (Sara Montpetit), a young vampire too humanist to bite who is cut off from food by her angry parents. While her survival is threatened, she meets Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard).), a lonely teenager with suicidal thoughts who agrees to offer his life. Will their budding friendship thwart their plan?
In cinemas from October 13th
Happy Days, by Chloé Robichaud
The Quebec filmmaker Chloé Robichaud reunites with Sophie Desmarais, the actress in the film that revealed her (especially at the Cannes Film Festival). Sarah prefers racing. Seven years after her most recent feature film “Pays, Happy Days”, the story follows Emma, a young cook under the yoke of her father and agent (Sylvain Marcel), who is offered the leadership of a large orchestra. The film, for which Yannick Nézet-Séguin served as artistic advisor, will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
In cinemas from October 20th
Ru, by Charles-Olivier Michaud
Screenwriter Jacques Davidts’ adaptation of Kim Thúy’s bestselling novel “Ru,” Charles-Olivier Michaud’s first feature film since 2015’s “Anna,” stars newcomer Chloé Djandji in the role of Tinh. After a dangerous sea crossing and a stay in a camp in Malaysia, Tinh and her Vietnamese family are accepted as refugees in Canada. They arrive in Granby, where they begin their new life. But for Tinh, who is shy and reserved, the adjustment comes with some difficulties. Plagued by the trials of the journey, she must draw from deep within the resilience she needs for her survival and happiness.
In cinemas from November 24th