Top April 2nd Movies: Minecraft, The Traveler with Christian Clavier, Cassandre & More!

Minecraft: The Movie by Jared Hess

Starring Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks…

What’s it about? Step into the world of Minecraft, where creativity is key to surviving! Four outsiders – Garrett, Henry, Natalie, and Dawn – are suddenly thrust through a mysterious portal to The Surface – an incredible cubic world that thrives on imagination.

Did you know? Minecraft: The Movie is based on the Swedish video game of the same name, created in 2011. By 2023, it is considered the first game to surpass 300 million copies sold worldwide.

Cassandre by Hélène Merlin

Starring Billie Blain, Zabou Breitman, Eric Ruf…

What’s it about? Summer 1998. Countryside. Cassandre, 14, is noticed by her family for her changing body. Fortunately, her passion for horses leads her to a small equestrian center for the holidays, where she is embraced as a peculiar creature. There, she discovers a new normality that gradually extracts her from the engulfing family life.

Did you know? Cassandre is drawn from director Hélène Merlin’s own experiences, as she was a victim of incest during her adolescence and chose to bring her story to the screen.

Ozi: Voice of the Forest by Tim Harper

Starring Amandla Stenberg, Laura Dern, Djimon Hounsou…

What’s it about? Ozi, a young orangutan, is separated from her parents following a forest fire. She grows up in a reserve, surrounded by other animals who become her friends. One day, guided by her instincts, she sets out to find her family. Along the way, she discovers the beauty of nature and the threats it faces.

Did you know? Ozi: Voice of the Forest marks Tim Harper’s directorial debut in feature films, although he has extensive experience in animation, having directed series such as Rotten Ralph, Fifi and the Flowertots, and Yukee.

Natacha (Almost) Flight Attendant by Noémie Saglio

Starring Camille Lou, Vincent Dedienne, Didier Bourdon…

What’s it about? Natacha has dreamt of becoming a flight attendant since childhood to travel and explore the world. An accidental involvement in the theft of the Mona Lisa provides her with the opportunity to finally pursue her dream. Joined by a clumsy steward, she embarks on a thrilling chase across France and Italy that could change her life.

Did you know? Director Noémie Saglio has been fascinated by the world of aviation and the comic book character Natacha, Flight Attendant, created by François Walthéry in 1970, seeing Natacha as a humorous, independent, and adventurous woman, far from typical stereotypes.

The Backpacker by Philippe Mechelen

Starring Hakim Jemili, Christian Clavier, Michel Blanc…

What’s it about? Yann has one dream: to travel the world. When he learns that the famous Backpacker’s Guide is hiring people to travel globally, he immediately applies and gets the job. His first assignment: verify 40 addresses in Marrakech in five days.

Did you know? The Backpacker’s Guide was founded by Philippe Gloaguen, who conceived the idea after a trip to India in 1972, jotting down useful addresses and tips. Initially published in Actuel magazine, it faced numerous rejections from publishers before being released in its familiar format by Hachette.

In Our Brothers’ Land by Raha Amirfazli, Alireza Ghasemi

Starring Hamideh Jafari, Bashir Nikzad, Mohammad Hosseini…

What’s it about? Iran in the 2000s: Amidst the backdrop of the American invasion, an extended family of Afghan refugees struggles to rebuild their lives in “the land of brothers.” A three-decade odyssey follows Mohammad, a promising student, Leila, an isolated woman, and Qasem, who bears the burden of sacrifice for his family, as they strive to overcome their uncertain new reality.

Fanon by Jean-Claude Barny

Starring Alexandre Bouyer, Déborah François, Stanislas Merhar…

What’s it about? Frantz Fanon, a French psychiatrist from Martinique, has just been appointed head of a psychiatric hospital in Blida, Algeria. His methods starkly contrast with those of his colleagues in a colonial setting.

Did you know? Fanon is based on the lesser-known story of Frantz Fanon, a Martinique-born psychiatrist and anti-colonial activist, who became the chief physician of a clinic in Algeria in 1953 and was dismissed three years later after aiding the FLN in their fight for independence.

Two Sisters by Mike Leigh

Starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Webber, Michele Austin…

What’s it about? Pansy is consumed by physical and mental pain, and her interaction with the world is characterized by anger and confrontation. Her husband Curtley is at a loss on how to cope, while her son Moses lives in his own world. Only her sister, Chantal, understands her and can offer help.

Did you know? Although Mike Leigh has directed historical films like Mr. Turner (2014) and Peterloo (2018) in recent years, he returns to contemporary drama with Two Sisters, focusing on the family discord within the African-American community post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Lads by Julien Menanteau

Starring Marco Luraschi, Jeanne Balibar, Marc Barbé…

What’s it about? At 17, Ethan becomes an apprentice jockey in a steeplechase stable, the most harrowing of horse races. Amidst thoroughbreds, he plunges into the worlds of racing, betting, and money. His passion intensifies, as does his frustration. To run to win, yet always at the behest of others.

Did you know? Marco Luraschi, actor and stunt rider, is the son of famed equestrian Mario Luraschi. Having acted from the age of 11 in Jappeloup, another horse-centric film, Lads marks his first major role.

The Grill by Alonso Ruizpalacios

Starring Raúl Briones, Rooney Mara, Anna Diaz…

What’s it about? It’s a busy night at The Grill, a bustling Manhattan restaurant. Pedro, a rebellious cook, attempts to woo Julia, one of the waitresses. But when the boss discovers money missing from the register, everyone becomes a suspect, and the evening spirals out of control.

Did you know? Director Alonso Ruizpalacios envisioned the restaurant’s kitchen akin to the bowels of a submarine or a sinking ship. A key scene features a Cherry Coke flood, inspired by a personal memory of the director in Times Square. This surreal yet poetic image symbolizes an overflowing capitalist system, entrapping its workers.