Directed by Yann Gozlan and written by Jean-Baptiste Delafon, Guru stars Pierre Niney alongside Marion Barbeau, Anthony Bajon, and Holt McCallany. A dramatic thriller focusing on the excesses of personal development, the film will be released in French theaters on January 28, 2026, distributed by the producer and distributor announced in the press release.
The story follows the rise of a charismatic coach whose methods are increasingly successful. As his influence grows, the mechanismsof control are revealed, exposing a system based on emotional dependence and psychological domination. The plot explores what drives people to seek external guidance in an environment where they are searching for meaning.
The story shows how this seemingly benevolent leader builds a loyal community around intensive seminars. The manipulative techniques gradually become apparent, confronting the characters with the boundary between personal quest and loss of freedom. The film highlights the potential abuses of coaching structures and the human weaknesses exploited by these systems.
The film was born out of Yann Gozlan's desire to explore contemporary personal development practices. The production was shot in urban spaces and minimalist settings to reflect the codified aesthetics of seminars. Pierre Niney reunites with the director after Black Box, a collaboration that made him known for roles requiring significant psychological work. Screenwriter Jean-Baptiste Delafon is particularly known for his work on series focusing on power and speech.
The tone favors a tense and realistic approach. The atmosphere is based on a progressive climate of suspicion and isolation, aimed at an audience interested in psychological narratives and themes related to social influence. The film addresses individual vulnerabilities in the face of persuasive discourse and the group mechanisms that can result from it.
Guru
Film | 2026
In theaters January 28, 2026
Dramatic thriller | Running time: 2 hours 6 minutes
By Yann Gozlan | Starring Pierre Niney, Marion Barbeau, Anthony Bajon
Nationality: France
The film offers a contemporary tale about the abuses of influence and the construction of power based on persuasion.
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