Changing the Water for Flowers is a drama directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, marking his return to feature films with an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Valérie Perrin. Published in 2018 and having sold over three million copies worldwide, this beloved book is now getting its highly anticipated cinematic reinterpretation, starring Leïla Bekhti, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Melvil Poupaud. The film is set for an exclusive theatrical release in 2026.
Produced by Palomar and 24 25 Films (a Mediawan group), with support from France Télévisions, Canal+, and Netflix, this adaptation brings together Valérie Perrin's emotionally rich literary universe with Jean-Pierre Jeunet's distinctive directorial style. Jeunet, already celebrated for films like The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain and A Very Long Engagement.
The story follows Violette Toussaint, a woman in her forties who works as a cemetery keeper in a small town in Burgundy. Her role brings her into close contact with visitors—regulars or just passing through—who seek her attentive ear and quiet reassurance. Beneath her calm exterior, Violette carries a personal history shaped by loss and silence.
The arrival of Julien Seul, a detective coming to deliver his mother’s ashes, acts as a catalyst. Curious about Violette's past and the mysterious disappearance of her husband, he begins an investigation that uncovers buried memories and long-hidden truths.
The novel Changer l’eau des fleurs has become a publishing sensation, captivating readers worldwide and being translated into numerous languages. The film stays true to the book’s emotional core, blending present-day storytelling with flashbacks, all while drawing on a cinematic style crafted by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant, longtime collaborators.
The first revealed image hints at a world that is both vividly real and poetically evocative, true to the filmmaker’s signature style. Here, light, settings, and everyday details come together to craft an intimate story about grief, memory, and resilience.
Changer l’eau des fleurs appeals to viewers who appreciate intimate stories and human dramas centered on themes of connection and renewal. The film is likely to resonate with audiences who enjoyed La Chambre des merveilles or other contemporary emotional dramas where tenderness balances with seriousness.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s approach promises a faithful adaptation that stays true to the original source, avoiding excessive sentimentality while focusing on a delicate direction and a keen attention to the characters.
Changing the Water of Flowers
Film | 2026
Release Date: 2026
Drama
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet | Written by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant
Starring Leïla Bekhti, Matthias Schoenaerts, Melvil Poupaud, Anouk Grinberg, Sergio Castellitto, Alban Lenoir
Country: France
With Changing the Water of Flowers, Jean-Pierre Jeunet offers a tender and healing film where past and present intertwine in a story of loss and renewal. This highly anticipated cinematic adaptation brings to the screen a novel that has become a literary icon.
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