French cinema dives into sci-fi with ‘Planet B’
A bold step into dystopia
French cinema, traditionally known for its rich dramas and romantic comedies, rarely ventures into the realm of science fiction. However, rising filmmaker Aude Lea Rapin has taken a daring leap with her latest project, Planet B. This dystopian thriller, featuring the talents of Adele Exarchopoulos and Souheila Yacoub, is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, kicking off the Critics’ Week section.
A politically charged narrative
Planet B is not just another sci-fi flick; it’s a politically charged narrative that delves into the lives of hardcore climate activists. These activists find themselves imprisoned in a virtual reality that appears idyllic but is, in fact, a psychological torture chamber. The film tackles hot-button issues such as immigration, police brutality, the limits of radical activism, and threats to democracy.
Meet the cast
The film boasts an ensemble cast of fresh faces and rising stars, including India Hair, Jonathan Couzinié, Yassine Stein, Paul Beaurepaire, and Eliane Umuhire. Exarchopoulos plays Julia, the leader of the eco-activists, while Yacoub portrays an investigative Iraqi journalist living under a false identity in France. Their paths cross when Yacoub’s character discovers a digital device that allows her to visit the virtual prison where Julia and her comrades are held.
Behind the scenes
The film is scored by Bertrand Bonello and produced by Eva Robin at Les Films du Bal, with co-production by Orange Studio. Studiocanal is handling international sales. Planet B marks Rapin’s follow-up to her feature debut, Heroes Don’t Die, which also premiered at Critics’ Week in Cannes in 2019.
Exarchopoulos on her role
Exarchopoulos, who gained international fame with her Palme d’Or-winning performance in Blue Is the Warmest Color, shares her thoughts on the film. She mentions that while she doesn’t always need to embrace the morality of her characters, she appreciates when there is a human connection. She was particularly struck by Rapin’s vision and the film’s limited resources, drawing parallels to real-life events like the protests in Notre-Dame-des-Landes and the Yellow Jacket movement.
The courage of commitment
Exarchopoulos reflects on the film’s themes, emphasizing the courage of commitment and sacrifice. She questions the social and collective response when there is no political answer, a timely issue tackled through the lens of science fiction. Yacoub, who recently starred in Dune 2, echoes these sentiments, finding the film’s blend of sci-fi and contemporary issues both beautiful and strong.
A unique approach to genre
Exarchopoulos has previously explored genre films, such as the dystopian The Animal Kingdom. However, she notes that Planet B stands out due to its modest budget and ambitious scope. The film pays tribute to climate activists like Greta Thunberg and Camille Etienne, raising questions about our willingness to act in the face of political and climatic collapse.
A risk worth taking
Taking on Planet B felt like a risk for Exarchopoulos, akin to a bungee jump. She was drawn to the profound subject matter and the opportunity to work with Rapin. Yacoub, too, was captivated by the script, describing it as a page-turner that she couldn’t put down. Meeting Rapin solidified her decision to join the project, appreciating the director’s documentary background and personal connection to the film’s themes.
A character with depth
Yacoub’s character in Planet B is inspired by a friend of Rapin, adding a layer of authenticity to her performance. She appreciated the opportunity to play a flawed, human character, avoiding the trope of the perfect hero. This depth is often missing in female roles, making her portrayal all the more compelling.
Hollywood connections
Both Yacoub and Exarchopoulos have experience working on major Hollywood productions. Exarchopoulos recently voiced a character in Inside Out 2, while Yacoub’s role in Dune 2 has opened doors for her internationally. Yacoub is currently starring opposite Nicolas Cage and FKA Twigs in The Carpenter’s Son, a horror film about the childhood of Jesus.
Future projects
Exarchopoulos is currently filming Chien 51, a dystopian thriller directed by Cedric Jimenez and based on Laurent Gaudé’s bestseller. Yacoub, meanwhile, hopes to reteam with Denis Villeneuve in the future, having bonded with the director during the shoot of Dune 2.
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Planet B, check out the trailer and explore the film’s themes and characters. Similarly, fans of Exarchopoulos and Yacoub can look forward to their upcoming projects, promising more captivating performances and thought-provoking narratives.
Planet B is a testament to the power of cinema to address pressing issues through the lens of genre, offering a unique and compelling narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences.