Is Cédric Klapisch’s “La Venue de l’avenir” a Hit? Early Reviews Are In!

“The Arrival of the Future,” the 15th feature film by Cédric Klapisch, was released in theaters yesterday. The entire cast and crew were present at Cannes for a special out-of-competition screening. It marks the first time the filmmaker has received this honor in his career.

Did the film impress its initial audience? The press has given it an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 (from 17 reviews), while online users have rated it almost as favorably, scoring it at 4.1 out of 5 based on 162 ratings to date, including 32 user reviews.

The storyline of “The Arrival of the Future” unfolds across two different eras, 2024 and 1895. In the present day, 2024, about thirty relatives learn they are set to inherit an old house that has been deserted for years. Four individuals, Seb, Abdel, Céline, and Guy, are tasked with inspecting the property. These distant “cousins” uncover hidden treasures within the old home and embark on a journey following the mysterious tracks of Adèle, who left her native Normandy at age 20.

Adèle finds herself in Paris in 1895, a city buzzing with the throes of industrial and cultural revolution. For the four cousins, this introspective journey into their family history exposes them to a pivotal moment at the turn of the 20th century, an era when photography was emerging and Impressionism was blossoming. This confrontation between the years 2024 and 1895 challenges their present-day lives and ideals, encapsulating the essence of “The Arrival of the Future.”

“A Delightful Experience“

Users praised the blend of different eras, the plot, and the performances.

cinono1 (5 / 5): “It was beautiful, almost magical. Cédric Klapisch’s style, marked by humor and lightness, also showcases his remarkable visual sense. With a stunning direction, he intertwines the Paris of 1895 with that of 2025, illustrating the timelessness of lives and the cycles of eras. This journey into the past to slightly decipher the present is delightful.“

NathalieTbct (4.5 / 5): “A joy from start to finish! I loved following the quest of today’s heirs. Exploring Paris of 1892 with Adèle, who moved there to find her mother, knowing nothing but a portrait and the address of a notary, was captivating. The transitions between the eras are filled with poetry, and the actors make us believe in this touching story of lineage. Discovering Suzanne Lindon and Abraham Wapler, both immensely talented and charismatic, was a treat. Abraham Wapler’s expressions, wow.“

Bart Sampson (4.5 / 5): “Loved it. Klapisch gets better like fine wine with a superb script, well-directed actors, and this joy of togetherness that has marked his films since L’Auberge espagnole.“

Joce2012 (4 / 5): “Great film, great script that lets us surf between the past and the present through mediums like photos, paintings, a house. All these memories from the past show that life is a continuum. A truly enjoyable experience.“

Some viewers noted a few slow patches.

“A Pleasant Journey Through Time”

Fablegrand (3.5 / 5): “A very good Klapisch film. A story about inheritance that takes us to Monet. It’s quite well done despite some slow moments. The actors are excellent. I had a great time.“

Cat P. (3 / 5): “A pleasant back-and-forth through time. Not everything is subtle or fast-paced, but as usual with Monsieur Klapisch, it’s beautiful cinema!“

zorro50 (2.5 / 5): “Cédric Klapisch tries to capitalize on his undeniable reputation among all French critics. However, one can’t always hit the mark, and this time he errs by awkwardly mixing past and present, also relying on almost entirely unknown actors with little charisma, who are unlikely to win any acting awards with their rough performances.“

“The Arrival of the Future” is currently showing in theaters.

* Ratings collected on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from visible notes and reviews on AlloCiné