Three years after his political satire "Second Tour," acclaimed director Albert Dupontel is preparing for the release of his ninth feature film, "Il faut brûler maman." Distributed by Pathé, the movie is slated to hit theaters on November 11, 2026, continuing Dupontel's successful tradition of autumn releases.
The newly revealed trailer introduces a premise ripe for dark comedic exploration. The story centers on a family of undertakers who find themselves in a predicament when their mother passes away. With a staff strike preventing professional services, two sisters and their brother are forced to navigate the funeral rites themselves. The central question, posed with characteristic Dupontel absurdity, becomes: "How to agree to burn Mom?"
Dupontel, known for his unique cinematic voice, not only directs but also penned the screenplay and takes on a leading role. He is joined by a cast of new collaborators to his universe, including comedian Artus, known for his versatile performances, Louise Coldefy, recognized from the series "Family Business," and Julia Piaton, a familiar face in French comedies and dramas.
The director's filmography is marked by critical acclaim and commercial success, often blending the absurd with poignant human stories. Dupontel received multiple César Awards for his previous works, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for "Adieu les cons" in 2021, and similar accolades for "Au Revoir Là-haut" in 2018. His 2014 film, "9 mois ferme," also earned him a César for Best Original Screenplay, solidifying his reputation as a master of the genre.
"Il faut brûler maman" is expected to deliver the same kind of irreverent, thought-provoking humor that has become Dupontel's trademark. The inclusion of talents like Artus, who has a string of projects lined up including Nicole Garcia's "7h40 ce matin-là" and Clovis Cornillac's "Il était une fois," suggests a fresh dynamic within Dupontel's established style. Similarly, Louise Coldefy is set to appear in Luc Picard’s drama "Rédemptions" and Ivan Calbérac’s "L’Adoption," while Julia Piaton will lead Vincent Mariette’s "Le Trésor," highlighting the burgeoning careers of the film's supporting cast.