Directed by Michel Leclerc and co-written with Baya Kasmi, The Genre Blend is a crime-infused coming-of-age dramedy that hit theaters on April 16, 2025. Led by Léa Drucker and Benjamin Lavernhe, the film was showcased in the official selection at the Alpe d’Huez International Comedy Film Festival 2025, where Lavernhe took home the Best Actor award. After a VOD release in summer 2025, the movie will be broadcast on Canal+ on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 9:09 p.m.
Simone is a police officer with conservative beliefs, tasked with infiltrating a feminist group called the "Hardies," suspected of involvement in a case of intimate partner murder. As she immerses herself in the lives of these activists, her convictions start to waver and her perspective on power dynamics begins to shift, exposing the cracks in her own relationship and the patriarchal system she once believed she understood.
When the team begins to suspect a mole among them, Simone makes a reckless move to save herself: she falsely accuses Paul, a gentle and harmless man—a struggling actor living in his wife’s shadow. This false accusation sets off an uncontrollable chain reaction, turning Paul into an easy scapegoat and revealing the destructive power of group dynamics, even within legitimate struggles.
Inspired by Michel Leclerc’s own unease following the #MeToo movement, the film thoughtfully explores the role of male voices in today’s social conversations. The director describes it as a comedy rooted in misunderstandings, emphasizing that false accusations remain rare statistically while also delving into the themes of fear, guilt, and miscommunication that permeate modern society.
The screenplay was developed in close collaboration with Baya Kasmi, a frequent writing partner of the filmmaker. However, Leclerc chose to craft the initial structure solo to convey a distinctly masculine perspective, before Kasmi expanded on the characters and pushed certain boundaries—especially regarding the character of Simone. The false accusation is intentionally introduced later in the story, allowing enough space to explore the depth and humanity of the characters.
With its hybrid tone, blending elements of dramedy, social comedy, and psychological tension akin to a psychological thriller, the film continues the legacy of Michel Leclerc's cinema. It particularly echoes The Name of the People, while its meticulous direction and legal themes also bring to mind contemporary works like Saint Omer.
The Genre Blend
Film | 2025
Release in theaters: April 16, 2025
Airing on Canal+: February 4, 2026, at 9:09 PM
Dramatic comedy, crime | Duration: 1h43
Directed by Michel Leclerc | Starring Léa Drucker, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melha Bedia
Original title: Le Mélange des genres
Country: France
Awarded at the Alpe d’Huez and highlighted at various festivals, The Genre Blend stands out as a thought-provoking piece, centered around deliberately ambiguous characters. Rather than taking sides, the film thoughtfully examines differing ideologies, their potential for drift, and the intricate nature of human relationships amid a society rife with moral and political tensions.
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