Baise-en-ville is a French comedy directed and written by Martin Jauvat. His second feature film, following Grand Paris, was showcased in a special screening at the Critics’ Week segment during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Starring Martin Jauvat himself, alongside Emmanuelle Bercot and William Lebghil, the film is set to hit French theaters on January 28, 2026.
Sprite, 25 years old, still lives at home with his mother, who threatens to kick him out if he doesn’t finally get his act together. To land a job, he needs a driver’s license; to get the license, he needs a job. Trapped in this frustrating circle, Sprite struggles to get by in a suburb with limited public transportation.
He eventually lands a job at a startup that specializes in cleaning apartments after parties. The problem: how to get to the job sites, often late at night, without any transportation? On the strong advice of his driving instructor, Marie-Charlotte, he signs up for a dating app in hopes of meeting women who live near his work sites. A theoretical plan that quickly clashes with reality: Sprite is hardly a smooth talker.
Through a blend of humor and social commentary, the film explores the dead ends faced by youth in precarious circumstances, caught between the push for independence and difficult economic realities.
Baise-en-ville represents a new chapter in Martin Jauvat's journey, an independent filmmaker whose work gained recognition through self-produced films shot in Chelles, his hometown. Following a debut feature that caught attention at the 2022 Acid festival, the director continues to craft stories rooted in real life, blending social commentary, offbeat humor, and cinephile references.
Much like in Grand Paris, Martin Jauvat takes on the dual roles of director, screenwriter, and lead actor in this project. The film was mostly shot in Chelles and its surrounding areas, reflecting a production scope notably larger than his previous work, while still maintaining a handcrafted feel and a keen eye for everyday details.
With its seemingly playful tone and stylized visuals influenced notably by Wes Anderson, Baise-en-ville appeals to viewers who are drawn to contemporary social comedies. In this film, absurdity brings to light very real issues surrounding poverty, housing, and mobility.
Baise-en-ville | Movie | Set for 2026
Release date in theaters: January 28, 2026
Comedy | Running time: 1h34
Directed by Martin Jauvat | Starring Martin Jauvat, Emmanuelle Bercot, William Lebghil
Original title: Baise-en-ville
Country: France
Premiered at Cannes during a special screening at Critics' Week, Baise-en-ville continues Martin Jauvat's unique exploration of youth in the Île-de-France region. The film offers a contemporary comedy that reflects its era, blending everyday struggles with inventive resourcefulness.
To extend your in-theater experience, check out the January movie releases, discover the must-see films today, and browse our top comedy picks of the year.
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