That’s it, it’s 2025. Best wishes! If 2024 was a rich year for cinema lovers, 2025 should be as (or even more) exceptional with the release of highly anticipated films like Superman And Mickey 17.
In this sense, the year has already started very well with a first cinematic week that is a dream. On the bill, we note a slew of very good feature films freshly released for the new year and we are delighted. We have therefore selected the 4 films that are worth watching in this first weekend of 2025. There will be something for everyone.
A bear in the Jura
In A bear in the JuraLaura Calamy and Franck Dubosc play Cathy and Michel, a couple worn down by time and financial difficulties. Although they no longer really speak to each other, everything changes when Michel accidentally kills two people while trying to avoid a bear on the road. Everything gets even more complicated when they discover 2 million euros in the safe…
This film, directed by Franck Dubosc himself, is incredible, flirting between thriller and comedy. With an impeccable cast (Laura Calamy, Franck Dubosc, Benoit Poelvoorde, Joséphine de Meaux and even Kim Higelin), an improbable scenario that we adhere to and mastered writing, A bear in the Jura succeeds, making people laugh while keeping them in suspense. The press gives it an average of 3.5 out of 5 while AlloCiné spectators climb it to 3.8.
Totto-chan, the little girl at the window
For a sweet moment with the family, Totto-chan, the little girl at the window is ideal. This animated feature film is an adaptation of the best-selling autobiography of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, an actress, presenter, essayist, UNICEF ambassador (and much more!) particularly known and appreciated in Japan.
We therefore follow a very turbulent and resourceful young girl in the early 1940s. Expelled from her school, Totto-chan is then enrolled at Tomoe, a school like no other where old wagons serve as classrooms. The school principal encourages his students to be independent and creative. As Japan descends into war, Totto-chan befriends a disabled boy and discovers that life’s small experiences are more important than lessons.
Totto-chan the little girl at the window finds its balance by subtly and delicately approaching serious subjects. Poignant, the feature film received the Paul Grimault prize at the Annecy animated film festival this summer and has already captivated the press (3.8/5) and AlloCiné spectators (4/5).
Love in the present
Come on, get out the tissues. To start the year off on the right foot, Love in the present comes to tickle our tear glands with a moving love story. Florence Pugh (Midsommar) and Andrew Garfield (Tick, tick… Boom!) touch us with this film which intelligently addresses love in the face of adversity. The feature film focuses on three significant moments in the lives of these two characters: their meeting, the birth of a child and illness.
It is the duo of actors, with an alchemy that bursts through the screen, which carries this feature film which promises to make the spectators go through many emotions. If Love in the present does not revolutionize the genre, it offers several excellent ideas and surprises with its sincerity. The press gives it a rating of 3.2 out of 5. As for AlloCiné spectators, they are more excited with the average of 3.9 out of 5.
Bird
Birdit’s the story of Bailey, a 12-year-old girl whose life is very eventful. Between her (young) irresponsible father who is going to marry a woman he has only known for 3 months, her brother who gets involved in strange affairs, her mother who is the victim of a violent man, the young girl feels good alone as puberty approaches.
Left to her own devices, Bailey will cross paths with Bird, an enigmatic man who will contribute to her construction and her evolution. Poetic and raw, Bird is a film of incredible accuracy thanks to authentic and original staging and excellent actors. Young Nykiya Adams shines as much as Barry Keoghan (Saltburn). The press praises Bird (3.9 out of 5). AlloCiné spectators agree on the rating of 3.7. To be seen in dark rooms.
