Following their 2017 film Patients, Grand Corps Malade and Mehdi Idir continue their collaboration with La Vie scolaire, which hit theaters in 2019. This second feature delves into the everyday life of a middle school located in a priority zone in Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis, exploring the stories of students, teachers, and school staff. Led by Zita Hanrot, alongside actors like Liam Pierron, Soufiane Guerrab, and Antoine Reinartz, the film offers a poignant social comedy that reflects the realities faced by modern public schools. After its theatrical release on August 28, 2019, La Vie scolaire will be streaming on Netflix starting January 19, 2026.
Samia, a young senior school counselor who has just been appointed, leaves her hometown in Ardèche to take up her position at a challenging, well-known middle school in Saint-Denis. Facing ongoing disciplinary issues and constant social pressures, she quickly realizes she’s stepping into a lively environment, brimming with the energy, humor, and contradictions of both its students and staff.
Over the weeks, Samia learns to navigate a landscape populated by distinctive personalities—from the charismatic locals to provocative students and teenagers searching for their place. Her focus zeroes in especially on Yanis, an sharp and bright student who hides his true potential behind a veneer of defiance. As she tries to guide him toward a more hopeful future, the young vice principal becomes increasingly aware of both the vulnerabilities and resilience present within the school community.
Following the critical and audience success of Patients, Grand Corps Malade and Mehdi Idir wanted to explore the theme of school without a preconceived thesis, drawing instead on observation and personal experiences. The decision to focus on middle school was natural, as it’s a pivotal environment where identities are shaped, authority is negotiated, and initial ambitions begin to take shape. The screenplay was developed from scenes inspired by real-life situations, enriched by discussions with education professionals and workshops conducted in schools.
The character of Samia serves as a link between the various storylines: that of the students, the supervisors, the teachers, and the administration. Filming took place in Saint-Denis, particularly in the Francs-Moisins neighborhood, involving many local residents and extras to ensure a genuine sense of place. True to their approach, the directors chose to cast relatively unknown actors and focused heavily on working alongside young performers to bring authenticity to the story.
Blending comedy and drama, La Vie scolaire adopts an approachable tone that balances lightness, emotion, and social commentary. The film appeals just as much to viewers interested in education issues as to those who enjoy ensemble stories rooted in everyday life. Without idealizing or overly darker portrayal, it offers a heartfelt perspective on the school system, highlighting relationships, vulnerabilities, and moments of solidarity.
La Vie scolaire
Film | 2019
Released in theaters on August 28, 2019
Available on Netflix starting January 19, 2026
Comedy, Drama | Duration: 1h 51m
Directed by Grand Corps Malade, Mehdi Idir | Featuring Zita Hanrot, Liam Pierron, Soufiane Guerrab
Country: France
Focusing on everyday routines and personal journeys, La Vie scolaire continues his creators’ approach: telling collective stories from the perspective of students and adolescents, portraying a school filled with tension but also driven by energy, resilience, and hope.
To explore even further, check out our selection of the new Netflix releases for January, our comprehensive guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today's pick what to watch today in streaming.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
