What could be one of the year's biggest box office contenders is set to arrive in cinemas on December 9, 2026. "Change the Water for the Flowers," an adaptation of Valérie Perrin's literary phenomenon, is poised for a remarkable run, with none other than Jean-Pierre Jeunet at the helm. Fans of "Amélie Poulain" will undoubtedly find much to cherish in this new cinematic endeavor.

Be among the first to see the emotional first trailer, providing a compelling preview of this highly anticipated adaptation:

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The film boasts a distinctive visual universe, a stellar cast including Leïla Bekhti, Matthias Schoenaerts, Melvil Poupaud, and the young Elodie Batard Gautier, all complemented by Saycet's evocative orchestral score. Every element seems meticulously crafted to captivate audiences with a story rich in emotion and suspense.

This marks Jeunet's return to feature filmmaking after a 13-year hiatus, following his English-language film "The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet." Since then, he ventured into television with the series "Casanova" and directed the Netflix film "BigBug." Now, Jeunet brings his unique vision to the big screen once more with an ambitious feature film, adapting Valérie Perrin's novel, which has sold over 3 million copies.

What is the story about?

Violette, a woman in her forties, works as a cemetery caretaker in a small town in Burgundy. Her daily life is punctuated by the confidences of visitors, both transient and regular, who seek solace in her lodge.

One day, she receives a visit from a police officer, Julien Seul, who comes to deposit his mother's ashes on the grave of the man she loved. Intrigued by Violette's story—her husband mysteriously disappeared shortly after their arrival at the cemetery—Julien decides to investigate. His inquiry inadvertently unearths painful memories and ultimately salvific truths for Violette.

Who is in the cast?

The search for the ideal actress to embody Violette Toussaint, the cemetery keeper, was a key part of the production. Jean-Pierre Jeunet revealed during a public meeting at the Angoulême Festival that he initially considered Audrey Tautou. "I won't hide that I thought of Audrey Tautou, that won't surprise anyone, obviously!" he stated. However, with Tautou having stepped away from film sets to focus on her family, the director found his revelation in Leïla Bekhti, recognizing her profound talent for conveying emotion. "I watch all films, I do research, I watch interviews… And I came across a show on Canal+ with Kyan Khojandi."

Jeunet's decisive moment came watching Bekhti effortlessly recite a lasagna recipe while crying on cue.

Bekhti had already demonstrated her capacity to convey deep and subtle emotions in Ken Scott's "Ma Mère, Dieu et Sylvie Vartan," which earned her a César nomination earlier this year. This very sensitivity convinced the director that she was the perfect Violette. The character, both discreet and endearing, reveals herself through the daily confessions of her visitors, blending sweetness, melancholy, and an air of mystery.

The impressive ensemble cast also features Matthias Schoenaerts, Melvil Poupaud, Alban Lenoir, Anouk Grinberg, Élodie Batard Gaultier, and Sergio Castellitto.

"Change the Water for the Flowers" is slated for release on December 9, 2026.