Youssef Salem is a hit is a French comedy directed by Baya Kasmi and co-written with Michel Leclerc. Released in theaters on January 18, 2023, the film features Ramzy Bedia, Noémie Lvovsky, and Abbes Zahmani. It will be available on Netflix starting February 18, 2026. Premiering at the Francophone Film Festival in Angoulême 2022, this feature film continues the tradition of popular auteur cinema, balancing intimacy with comedy and slapstick humor.
Youssef Salem, 45, has struggled for years to establish himself as a writer. When his latest novel finally finds success, the long-awaited recognition turns into a source of anxiety: the author drew heavily from his own family to craft his story. The literary triumph becomes a trap, as Youssef now faces the challenge of preventing his loved ones from discovering what he has exposed about them—sometimes quite candidly.
The film explores this pattern of concealment and reckless pursuit, where the artist's ego clashes with the tangible repercussions of fiction. Comedy emerges from the gap between Youssef's romanticized ambitions and the reality of his family life, between the myth of the troubled artist and everyday ordinariness.
Baya Kasmi drew from her personal experiences when she released her debut film Je suis à vous tout de suite. She discussed the disconnect between her original intimate vision and the public's reception, which often reduces the film to societal issues. With her latest work, the director explores the role of storytelling and fiction when belonging to a minority viewed through a social or religious lens. This reflection subtly permeates the narrative without weighing it down.
Co-written with Michel Leclerc, the screenplay boldly claims a free-spirited tone: “Nothing is entirely true, yet at the same time, everything is,” the filmmaker explains. The filming took place notably in Port-de-Bouc, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, a location previously seen in Bac Nord, but here depicted from a radically different perspective. The choice of scope format, combined with director of photography Julien Roux, emphasizes this sense of detachment: scenes related to Youssef’s novel adopt a more straightforward stylization, while the “reality” is portrayed through distinct lighting, all within the same wide frame.
The lead role was crafted for Ramzy Bedia, whose co-writer Baya Kasmi highlights the character's blend of both comedic absurdity and a touch of melancholy. The actor shares the screen with his sister, Melha Bedia, emphasizing the project’s familial roots. Straddling satire of the literary world and a portrait of a man overwhelmed by his own fame, the film strikes a balance between situational comedy and a deeper reflection on the responsibilities of an author.
Youssef Salem Finds Success
Film | 2023
In theaters: January 18, 2023
Streaming on Netflix: February 18, 2026
Comedy | Runtime: 1h37
Directed by Baya Kasmi | Starring Ramzy Bedia, Noémie Lvovsky, Abbes Zahmani
Original title: Youssef Salem a du succès
Country: France
Comedy about creation and its collateral damage, Youssef Salem a du succès wittily explores the blurry line between fiction and reality. Its arrival on Netflix in February 2026 offers the perfect opportunity to discover—or revisit—this portrait of an artist grappling with the responsibility of telling his own story.
To explore even further, check out our latest recommendations for February's new releases on Netflix, our comprehensive guide to the latest movies and series across all streaming platforms, and today’s top pick what to watch today in streaming.
