Released in theaters on June 10, 2009, The Beautiful Kids is a French comedy directed by Riad Sattouf, co-written with Marc Syrigas. The film notably introduces Vincent Lacoste in the role of Hervé, a socially awkward teenager obsessed with the idea of impressing others, alongside Anthony Sonigo and Alice Tremolières. Premiering at the Directors' Fortnight in Cannes 2009, this debut feature quickly established itself as a defining film of French teen comedy in the 2000s. The movie will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting January 15, 2026.
Hervé, 14 years old, is bursting with energy and confidence—qualities that often clash with how others perceive him. At school, he navigates the tumultuous first days of adolescence with a clumsy persistence, caught between daydreams, rivalries, and spontaneous schemes to catch the girls' attention. His days are woven with moments of shame, bravado, and fleeting illusions, embodying the mix of innocence and roughness that defines adolescence.
Alongside his equally lost best friend, Hervé struggles to decode the intricate signals of a romantic world he can’t quite grasp. Tough guy conversations, humiliations, gossip, and small victories come one after another in a coming-of-age story where lessons are often learned through failure. The film portrays adolescence without sugarcoating it, emphasizing the hunger for acceptance and the fear of rejection at its core.
While not aiming for strict realism, Les Beaux Gosses crafts a subtly offbeat universe: Riad Sattouf intentionally sidesteps modern technology—like phones and messaging—to focus on direct interactions and a sense of timelessness, drawing inspiration from his column La vie secrète des jeunes and his own college memories.
Riad Sattouf’s debut feature film, Les Beaux Gosses, garnered attention for its honest portrayal of adolescence, blending social critique with comedic moments. The filmmaker, who also writes comics, deliberately cast 'little misfits,' choosing faces and voices that defy typical advertising stereotypes. Just days before shooting was set to begin, a knee injury sustained by Vincent Lacoste nearly halted production—an injury that ultimately became part of his character's performance and gait.
The film also made a splash at awards season: it took home the César for Best First Feature, and earned breakthrough awards at the Lumières for Anthony Sonigo and Vincent Lacoste. This recognition helped cement the film as a milestone for a generation, often praised for its portrayal of the transition from childhood to adolescence, with all the contradictions that come with it.
Les Beaux Gosses appeals to fans of observational comedies and stories set in middle school, where humor arises just as much from awkwardness as from tenderness. This film offers a relatable look at teenage life, grounded in a distinctly French cultural backdrop—without glamour or exaggerated highlights—resonating with viewers who appreciate honest, coming-of-age tales.
Les Beaux Gosses
Film | 2009
Released in theaters: June 10, 2009
Available on Prime Video starting January 15, 2026
Comedy | Duration: 1h30
Directed by Riad Sattouf | Starring Vincent Lacoste, Anthony Sonigo, Alice Tremolières
Country: France
A raw yet sharply detailed coming-of-age story, Les Beaux Gosses stands out as a defining debut film for Riad Sattouf. Fueled by a keen eye for everyday nuances and a cast chosen for their natural performances, this comedy offers a genuine glimpse into adolescence—balancing desire, awkwardness, and social learning with authenticity.
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