The Worst Ones
Directed by Lise Akoka, Romane Gueret
Set in the suburbs of Boulogne-Sur-Mer in northern France, The Worst Ones captures a film within a film as it follows the production of a feature whose director turns to the local Cité Picasso housing project for casting. Eager to capture performances of gritty authenticity, the director selects four working class teenagers to act in the film to the surprise and consternation of the local community, who question the director’s choice of “the worst ones.” As the director and crew audition, rehearse, film, and interact with their hand-picked cast, jealousies are stoked, lines are crossed, and ethical questions arise, with thought-provoking and at times darkly funny results. Winner of the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, The Worst Ones announces directors Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret as exciting new voices in French cinema.
Reviews More Reviews
"Critic’s Pick! Luminously photographed and nimbly edited... offers a provocative critique of filmmaking practices."
“Thought-provoking and darkly funny… a fascinating look at the filming experience.”
“Carried by very engaging young performers… the film has a real heart that beats wildly.”
"Limber French filmmaking… with dark humor and occasionally confrontational candor. Find[s] artistry and honor where others tend not to look."
“Deeply insightful... a remarkable achievement of filmmaking and human compassion.”
“A self-aware film that features sensitive performances, a touching emotional arc, and compelling commentary on the social responsibilities of filmmakers.”
“The film is made compelling by its own immaculate casting.”
“Sensitive, intelligent filmmaking.”
“Akoka and Gueret find sharp insights in the imposition of a film shoot on those involved… an incredible addition to the canon."
Awards & Festivals
Press & Exhibitors
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Technical Info
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Color: Color
Press & Promotion:
playdates
Venue | City | State | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Aspen Film | Aspen | CO | 1695873600September 28 - September 30, 2023 |
Bear Tooth Theatrepub | Anchorage | AK | 1684728000May 22, 2023 |
Cinema Paradiso | Hollywood | FL | 1685073600May 26 - June 1, 2023 |
Cinema St. Louis | St. Louis | MO | 1684468800May 19 - May 21, 2023 |
Cleveland Cinematheque | Cleveland | OH | 1684987200May 25 - May 28, 2023 |
DeBartolo Performing Arts Center | Notre Dame | IN | 1681963200April 20 - April 22, 2023 |
Denver Film / Sie FilmCenter | Denver | CO | 1680840000April 7 - April 13, 2023 |
FIAF | New York | NY | 1696305600October 3, 2023 |
FilmScene | Iowa City | IA | 1680235200March 31 - April 6, 2023 |
Gateway Film Center | Columbus | OH | 1686283200June 9 - June 15, 2023 |
Gateway Film Center | Columbus | OH | 1686283200June 9 - June 15, 2023 |
Gene Siskel Film Center | Chicago | IL | 1680840000April 7 - April 13, 2023 |
Laemmle Theatres | Los Angeles | CA | 1680840000April 7 - April 13, 2023 |
Mayfair Theatre | Ottawa | ON | 1685073600May 26 - June 1, 2023 |
Metro Cinema | Edmonton | AB | 1680235200March 31 - April 4, 2023 |
Oklahoma City Museum of Art | Oklahoma City | OK | 1689480000July 16, 2023 |
Quad Cinema | New York | NY | 1679630400March 24 - April 1, 2023 |
Ross Media Arts Center | Lincoln | NE | 1682654400April 28 - May 11, 2023 |
Sudbury Indie Cinema | Sudbury | ON | 1680235200March 31 - April 6, 2023 |
The Clairidge | Montclair | NJ | 1681444800April 14 - April 27, 2023 |
The Little Theatre | Rochester | NY | 1680235200March 31 - April 6, 2023 |
Zeitgeist Theatre | Arabi | LA | 1682049600April 21 - May 4, 2023 |