A Cinematic Homage to the French New Wave

Richard Linklater’s latest film, Nouvelle Vague, is a black-and-white, French-language tribute to Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 classic Breathless. The film meticulously recreates the making of Breathless, capturing the essence of the French New Wave movement. Shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, the film stars Guillaume Marbeck as Jean-Luc Godard, Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo

Cannes Reception and Netflix Acquisition

Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Nouvelle Vague received an 11-minute standing ovation, signaling its critical acclaim . Following its debut, Netflix secured the U.S. distribution rights for $4 million, marking one of the largest deals for a French-language film in the U.S. market . The acquisition includes a limited two-week theatrical release to qualify for awards consideration before streaming on Netflix.

Exploring the Making of ‘Breathless’

Nouvelle Vague delves into the behind-the-scenes process of creating Breathless, highlighting the innovative techniques and rebellious spirit that defined the French New Wave. The film features portrayals of iconic figures such as François Truffaut, Agnès Varda, and Claude Chabrol, offering a comprehensive look at the movement’s pioneers.

Production Details

Filming took place in Paris from March to April 2024, with support from France’s Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) . The film’s authentic aesthetic is achieved through its black-and-white cinematography and period-accurate set designs, immersing viewers in 1959 Paris.

Anticipated Release

While the exact U.S. release date has not been announced, Nouvelle Vague is expected to have a limited theatrical run in the fall of 2025, followed by availability on Netflix. In France, the film is scheduled for theatrical release on October 8, 2025

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