Compostela is a drama film directed by Yann Samuell, who also penned the screenplay. Based on a true story, the feature stars Alexandra Lamy, Julien Le Berre, and Mélanie Doutey, alongside Éric Métayer, Cyril Gueï, and Malik Amraoui. Blending comedy and tragedy, this coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and is scheduled for release on April 1, 2026.
Fred and Adam don’t know each other. She carries a past she’s trying to come to terms with; he’s a rebellious teenager struggling to contain a anger fueled by feelings of abandonment. Brought together by a charity, they set out on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. From the very first steps, their differing personalities and ages spark tensions. The trail becomes a space for both confrontation and healing, with each stage exposing their vulnerabilities.
Across the changing landscapes and fleeting encounters, a fragile bond begins to form between them. Physical challenges, exhaustion, and unexpected events compel each to step outside their comfort zones. Walking acts as an inner awakening, gradually turning a forced cohabitation into a relationship built on mutual support, even as old wounds remain. The story explores the possibility of healing through effort and the passage of time.
Filming began in May 2025, utilizing natural locations along the route to capture both the physical and spiritual essence of the pilgrimage. Yann Samuell, renowned for his stories focused on intimacy and personal growth, places this film within a tradition of coming-of-age dramas where a physical journey mirrors an inner transformation. The casting of Alexandra Lamy, known for her roles blending energy and vulnerability, alongside Julien Le Berre, who brings a tougher, more intense presence, shapes the compelling dynamic between the two characters.
Centered around its subject, Compostelle belongs to the tradition of walk-focused and resilience-driven stories like Wild, while emphasizing a distinctly Franco-European perspective rooted in the collective and community-driven nature of the project. The film appeals to viewers interested in human stories, themes of intergenerational transmission, and personal journeys of rebuilding and renewal.
Compostelle
Film | 2026
Released in theaters: April 1, 2026
Comedy, Drama | Duration: -
Directed by Yann Samuell | Starring Alexandra Lamy, Julien Le Berre, Mélanie Doutey, Éric Métayer, Cyril Gueï, Malik Amraoui
Original title: Compostelle
Country: France
Through this physical and emotional journey, Compostelle depicts the meeting of two fragile lives on a path rich with history. Amid clashes and moments of stillness, the film explores whether this route can serve as a space for rebirth and self-discovery.
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