The cinematic landscape is set to be enriched with the release of the first trailer for Richard Linklater's "Nouvelle Vague." This film serves as a heartfelt homage to the groundbreaking French New Wave movement, with a particular focus on Jean-Luc Godard's seminal 1960 film, "Breathless." The movie is slated for a U.S. theatrical debut on October 31, 2025, followed by its availability on Netflix starting November 14, 2025.
"Nouvelle Vague" delves into the creative genesis of "Breathless," exploring director Jean-Luc Godard's pivotal transition from film critic to filmmaker. Guillaume Marbeck steps into the shoes of Godard, while Zoey Deutch portrays the iconic Jean Seberg, a muse whose presence was integral to the New Wave's aesthetic. The film also features Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo, another key figure in "Breathless." The narrative captures the spirit of collaboration and the often-unconventional methods that defined this transformative era in cinema.
Shot in evocative black-and-white, "Nouvelle Vague" meticulously recreates the visual language of the late 1950s, mirroring the aesthetic of its inspiration. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was met with an enthusiastic 11-minute standing ovation, signaling its critical reception as a romantic and exquisitely crafted tribute to classic French cinema. Critics have noted Linklater's signature style, often described as a "hangout movie," applied to this historical subject matter, making the creative process behind "Breathless" accessible and engaging.
Linklater's dedication to authenticity extends to the film's production. Shot in France with a French crew and largely in the French language, the film aims to immerse audiences in the atmosphere of 1959 Paris. Zoey Deutch, in preparing for her role as Seberg, embraced the challenge of learning French, drawing parallels to Seberg's own experience of learning the language while filming "Breathless." This commitment to detail has been praised, with the film even fabricating cue marks in the corner of the screen, a nod to the projection practices of the era.
The film's creation process itself echoes the resourcefulness of the French New Wave. Godard, a critic for Cahiers du cinéma, famously transitioned to filmmaking, with "Nouvelle Vague" illustrating his journey. The production of "Breathless" was characterized by improvisation, with dialogue often written daily, contributing to the raw, spontaneous feel that defined the movement. This approach, while sometimes causing frustration among collaborators like Seberg, ultimately led to the groundbreaking artistic output that revolutionized cinema.
The film's homage extends to other New Wave figures like François Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, and Eric Rohmer, highlighting their collective impact on filmmaking. "Nouvelle Vague" is not only a cinematic tribute but also a testament to the enduring influence of the French New Wave. Its meticulous recreation of the era, coupled with Linklater's distinct directorial voice, promises an insightful and enjoyable experience for cinephiles and newcomers alike. The film's premiere at Cannes and subsequent U.S. theatrical and Netflix releases underscore its anticipated significance in the contemporary film calendar.