Directed by Morade Aïssaoui and co-written with Kamel Guemra, N121 – Bus de nuit is a gripping social drama infused with elements of thriller, representing contemporary French cinema at its most compelling. Led by performances from Riadh Belaïche, Bakary Diombera, and Gaspard Gevin-Hié, alongside Paola Locatelli, the story takes place almost entirely aboard a nocturnal bus journey connecting Paris to its suburbs. Produced by Ripley Films and Cheyenne Federation, and distributed by Wild Bunch, the film is set for release in theaters on February 4, 2026.
Oscar, Simon, and Aïssa are childhood friends heading to Paris to celebrate exciting news, convinced they're about to enjoy a joyful break from routine. As night falls, they hop on bus N121 to head home, a familiar route shared with fellow passengers, each carrying their own weariness, unspoken tensions, and quiet reflections.
During the journey, a seemingly harmless conversation between passengers takes a dark turn, transforming the atmosphere inside the bus. Words become sharper, glances filled with suspicion, and gradually, the situation spirals out of control. Set in a confined space, the film explores how a series of small incidents can escalate into an eruption of violence, testing the bonds between the three friends and uncovering deeper fractures.
In this feature film, Morade Aïssaoui delivers a tight, focused project set within a single time frame and location. The screenplay, crafted in collaboration with Sledge Bidounga, Kamel Guemra, and Ludovic Zuili from an original concept by Zuili himself, draws on a keen observation of social interactions in public spaces. The filming adopts a realistic approach, using the bus as a microcosm where social tensions, misunderstandings, and power struggles come to the fore.
The film adopts a tense and gradually unfolding tone, building suspense through anticipation and rising anxiety rather than relying on high-octane action. Its deliberately measured pace appeals to viewers who appreciate psychological thrillers and stories grounded in reality. Through its mobile confined setting, N121 – Bus de nuit evokes some recent French social dramas, while remaining rooted in a tradition of minimalist thrillers focused on collective experience.
N121 – Night Bus
Film | 2026
Set to hit theaters on February 4, 2026
Drama, thriller
Directed by Morade Aïssaoui | Starring Riadh Belaïche, Bakary Diombera, Gaspard Gevin-Hié, Paola Locatelli
Country: France
Condensing its story into just one night and a confined space, N121 – Bus de nuit offers an intense snapshot of everyday human interactions pushed to their limits by excess and fear. The film explores the delicate balance of community and how a small incident can uncover underlying tensions within a familiar urban setting.
To keep the cinematic experience going, check out the February movie releases, discover the must-see films currently in theaters, and browse our top thriller picks of the year.
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