Presented as a romantic drama rooted in contemporary Lebanese life, A Fragile and Wonderful World is the latest feature film by Cyril Aris, who also wrote the screenplay. Led by performances from Mounia Akl, Hassan Akil, and Julia Kassar, this heartfelt story traces the journey of two individuals bound by a steadfast love amidst Beirut’s social and political divisions. The film will hit theatres in France on February 18, 2026, and today we reveal its official trailer.
Nino and Yasmina meet as children in the schoolyard of their Beirut elementary school. Quickly, their bond becomes a sanctuary, fueled by dreams of the future and an idealized world, far from the tensions that surround them. Their love blossoms in innocence, driven by hope for a better life and the promise of building a future together.
Twenty years later, fate brings them back together. The feelings they once shared resurface just as strongly, but the world around them has transformed. The country bears the scars of its struggles, exile feels like the only option, yet their attachment to their homeland remains unshaken. The film explores whether it's possible to build a shared future amid instability, where love must confront harsh political, social, and personal realities.
In this new feature, Cyril Aris continues his personal exploration of modern Lebanon, a theme already central to his previous work. The film champions a tradition of Middle Eastern auteur cinema, where personal stories and political realities intertwine, emphasizing minimalist direction and a keen focus on faces, silences, and settings.
The tone is both romantic and melancholic, setting the stage for an intense love story that never shies away from the harsh realities surrounding it. A fragile yet wondrous world speaks to viewers who appreciate heartfelt stories rooted in real life, as well as those who enjoy emotional dramas where personal journeys mirror the broader tensions within a country.
A Fragile and Beautiful World
Film | 2026
In theaters: February 18, 2026
Drama, Romance | Runtime: 1h50
Directed by Cyril Aris | Starring Mounia Akl, Hassan Akil, Julia Kassar
Original title: Nujum al'amal w al'alam
Country: Lebanon
Set against the backdrop of a love story shaped by years of upheaval and social change, Un monde fragile et merveilleux offers a thoughtful exploration of attachment, exile, and the challenge of envisioning the future. This romantic drama embraces a realistic and profoundly human perspective, delving into the complexities of love amidst chaos.
To keep the cinematic experience going, check out the February movie releases, the must-see films of the moment, and our top drama picks of the year.
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