The French film outlet Allociné has unveiled new footage from László Nemes' latest feature, "Moulin," which plunges viewers into the harrowing world of the French Resistance. Gilles Lellouche steps into the formidable shoes of Jean Moulin, a figure synonymous with the spirit of defiance against Nazi occupation.
The film chronicles Moulin's perilous mission: parachuting into occupied France with the critical task of unifying disparate Resistance networks under the command of General de Gaulle. Despite his meticulous efforts to operate in the shadows, Moulin is ultimately betrayed and delivered to the Gestapo in Lyon. There, he faces the brutal interrogations of the ruthless Klaus Barbie, played by German actor Lars Eidinger. The narrative emphasizes Moulin's unwavering resolve, enduring relentless torture without ever breaking, a silent determination that ignited a renewed spirit of combat and freedom across France.
"Moulin" eschews the traditional biopic format, instead focusing on the broader concept of resistance itself. This approach resonated deeply with lead actor Gilles Lellouche, who expressed the profound responsibility he felt in embodying such an illustrious historical figure. "He's a crazy hero. He's an exceptional man," Lellouche remarked, reflecting on the weight of the role. He shared his initial trepidation, asking, "Why me rather than another?" The actor credited the powerful script by Olivier Demangel and the uncompromising vision of director László Nemes for enabling him to embrace the challenge of bringing Moulin to life beyond mere historical records.
Producer Alain Goldman articulated the project's ambition, stating, "We wanted to give France a film about the greatest hero of the 20th century." He added that the goal was not a conventional biography but a film that explores the fundamental question: "What does it mean to resist? How do you fight for your values to the point of potentially dying for them? That is the ultimate courage."
László Nemes, whose Holocaust drama "Son of Saul" garnered international acclaim and an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, directs this fourth feature. "Moulin" was presented in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, further elevating anticipation for its release. While Jean Moulin has been portrayed by several actors in previous productions, including Patrice Chéreau, Francis Huster, and Charles Berling, Lellouche's interpretation under Nemes's direction is poised to offer a fresh and impactful perspective on the national hero.
"Moulin" is set to captivate audiences when it arrives in cinemas on October 28, 2026.