Must-See Movies Dec 17: Avatar 3, L’Âme Idéale, L’Agent Secret & More!

Avatar: Fire and Ash by James Cameron

Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver…

What’s it about? The third installment in the “Avatar” series.

Did you know? The title “Fire and Ash” symbolizes destruction and its aftermath. This film introduces a new tribe of Na’Vi, the Ash, who live in volcanic environments and are more aggressive and warlike. James Cameron delves into dark themes such as hatred, grief, and rebirth.

The Ideal Soul by Alice Vial

Starring Jonathan Cohen, Magalie Lépine Blondeau, Florence Janas…

What’s it about? Elsa, a 40-year-old single woman, has given up on love. She has a unique gift that keeps her distanced from others: she can see and speak to the dead. However, one evening she meets Oscar, a humorous and charming man, who reignites her hope that anything is possible. Just as she begins to fall in love, Elsa realizes their relationship might not be as real as she thought…

Did you know? During the writing of The Ideal Soul, Alice Vial drew inspiration from several films, including The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (1947), Ghost by Jerry Zucker (1990), and Meet Joe Black by Martin Brest (1998).

The Song of the Forests by Vincent Munier

Featuring Vincent Munier

What’s it about? Following The Snow Leopard, Vincent Munier invites us into the heart of the Vosges forests, where he learned everything from his father Michel, a naturalist who spent his life in the woods. It’s time for them to pass on this knowledge to Simon, Vincent’s son. Three perspectives, three generations, one shared fascination with wildlife.

Did you know? The Song of the Forests is Vincent Munier’s first feature film directed on his own since his last movie, The Snow Leopard (2021), was co-directed with Marie Amiguet.

The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho

Starring Wagner Moura, Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândido…

What’s it about? Brazil, 1977. Marcelo, a man in his forties with a troubled past, arrives in Recife during the bustling carnival season. He hopes to reunite with his young son and start a new life. However, death threats loom over him…

Did you know? Although entirely filmed in Brazil, The Secret Agent was largely written by Kleber Mendonça Filho in France, specifically in a small office at the Utopia cinema in Bordeaux. The cinema’s programming team hosted him every weekday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Heidi and the Mountain Lynx by Tobias Schwarz, Aizea Roca Berridi

Starring Lilly Graffam, Martin Spinhayer, Tom Zahner…

What’s it about? Heidi lives with her grandfather in a mountain chalet. Everything changes when she finds an injured baby lynx and decides to nurse it back to health. The young animal desperately needs to reunite with its family in the high peaks! Without her grandfather’s knowledge, Heidi and Peter set out to save their new friend.

Did you know? Since her debut in Johanna Spyri’s books, Heidi has become a true heroine in popular culture. Overall, 50 million books have been sold in 50 languages worldwide. Moreover, the most recent TV series about her adventures, released in 2015, has been watched in over 128 countries.

Rebuilding by Max Walker-Silverman

Starring Josh O’Connor, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis…

What’s it about? In the American West, devastated by raging fires, Dusty sees his ranch destroyed by flames. He finds refuge in a makeshift camp and slowly begins to rebuild his life. Surrounded by others who, like him, have lost everything, unexpected bonds form.

Did you know? Filming the movie was challenging for Josh O’Connor, who frequently suffered from allergic reactions on set due to the animals around him. Despite this significant hurdle, the actor persevered and filmed his scenes seamlessly, earning the director, Max Walker-Silverman’s admiration.

The Monster Factory by Steve Hudson, Toby Genkel

Starring Asa Butterfield, Martin Spinhayer, Joel Fry…

What’s it about? In the old Grottegroin castle, a mad scientist constantly creates and invents whimsical monsters. P’tit Cousu, his very first creation forgotten over time, serves as a guide to the new monsters. Everything changes when a circus arrives in town seeking a new attraction. Its owner, Fulbert Montremonstre, tries by all means to access this factory of monsters.

Did you know? This is the first animated feature film directed by British filmmaker Steve Hudson. Until now, he had primarily directed fiction (True North – 2006) and several episodes of the series Cranford (2007).

The Love We Keep by Hlynur Pálmason

Starring Saga Garðarsdóttir, Sverrir Gudnason, Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir…

What’s it about? The intimate journey of a family going through a separation. Over the course of a year, moments of lightness and deep emotions weave together a bittersweet portrait of love, filled with tender, joyful, and sometimes melancholic fragments. A sensitive look at the subtle beauty of everyday life and the stream of memories that unfold with the changing seasons.

Did you know? Hlynur Pálmason took on multiple roles in this new film, not only directing and writing the screenplay but also handling the cinematography.

Stories from the Good Valley by José Luis Guerín

What’s it about? On the outskirts of Barcelona, Vallbona is an enclave surrounded by a river, railway tracks, and a highway. Antonio, the son of Catalan workers, has been growing flowers here for nearly 90 years. He is joined by Makome, Norma, Tatiana, from diverse backgrounds…

Did you know? This is not the first time José Luis Guerín has dedicated a documentary to a Barcelona neighborhood. His film In Construction (2021) previously focused on one and received the FIPRESCI Prize and the Jury Prize at the San Sebastian Festival.

Jone Sometimes by Sara Fantova

Starring Olaia Aguayo, Josean Bengoetxea, Ainhoa Artetxe…

What’s it about? Bilbao, August. Jone, 20, experiences her first love as her father’s Parkinson’s disease worsens, events that coincide during the major Semana Grande festival in Bilbao. These experiences mark a decisive summer in which Jone realizes her transition from adolescence to adulthood.

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