Directed and scripted by Lucas Belvaux, Les Tourmentés is the cinematic adaptation of his 2022 novel. Led by performances from Niels Schneider, Ramzy Bedia, Linh-Dan Pham, and Déborah François, this psychological drama rooted in a modern manhunt will be available for streaming on VOD starting January 17, 2026, following its theatrical release on September 17, 2025. The film was showcased at the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival, reaffirming its place within the French auteur cinema tradition.
The story follows Skender, a former soldier living on the fringes, who is unwittingly recruited by a wealthy widow passionate about hunting to become the target in a dangerous game. Isolated and vulnerable, he finds himself caught in a social machinery where power and violence set the rules. The hunt becomes a chance for him to confront his trauma, as the plot unfolds an emotional journey focused on his fight for survival and the disintegration of his sense of stability.
The film simultaneously examines the perspective of "Madame," a methodical predator, and that of her environment, revealing a system where power dynamics extend into the inhumane. Drawing inspiration from introspective literary structures, the narrative maintains a constant tension by gradually unraveling Skender's shattered certainties. The hunt transforms into an initiation story filled with latent violence and moral dilemmas, all while deliberately leaving the outcome open-ended.
Adapting the story proved to be a challenge for Lucas Belvaux, as the novel is built around successive internal monologues that are difficult to render on screen. The director recounts a lengthy process of editing down the material, with each cut leading to a loss of narrative substance. Originally envisioned as a noir film similar to The Most Dangerous Game, the project evolved into a lighter, more introspective piece, focusing on the « why » rather than the mechanics of the hunt.
Filming kicked off in the mountains under challenging weather conditions. Rain, cold, and fog created an unpredictable pace on set but added a layer of realism to the outdoor sequences. Composer Frédéric Vercheval, a regular collaborator with Belvaux, crafted a unique soundtrack inspired by a variation of The Nutcracker, giving the film a distinctive auditory atmosphere. The cast also underwent physical preparation: Linh-Dan Pham trained in archery to portray "Madame," while Niels Schneider drew on the novel to deepen his silent portrayal of a shattered soldier.
This film appeals to viewers drawn to psychological dramas that explore human vulnerabilities and violent social environments. Its storyline echoes certain elements of works like Craig Zobel's The Hunt or Hard Target, adapted here into a more realistic tone reminiscent of Belvaux's earlier films, such as Des hommes. The overall tone emphasizes internal tension, moral development, and an unflinching confrontation with the brutality of modern life.
Les Tourmentés
Film | 2025
Cinematic Release: September 17, 2025
Available on VOD starting January 17, 2025
Drama | Runtime: 1h53
Directed by Lucas Belvaux | Starring Niels Schneider, Ramzy Bedia, Linh-Dan Pham, Déborah François
Country: France
This feature film continues the work of Lucas Belvaux, blending social commentary, personal tension, and a deep dive into the darker sides of its characters. Through its natural settings, psychological depth, and a storyline focused on survival and self-discovery, it offers a rich and faithful adaptation of the original novel.
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