Directed and written by Anthony Marciano, The American Dream is a French dramedy featuring Jean-Pascal Zadi and Raphaël Quenard. Based on a true story, the film tells the extraordinary journey of two Frenchmen who unexpectedly become NBA agents. Set for release in French theaters on February 18, 2026, this film adds to the genre of social mobility stories driven by sport, friendship, and perseverance.
In Amiens, Jérémy spends his days behind the counter of a video rental store, far from the American courts he admires on VHS tapes. Meanwhile, Bouna is busy cleaning at Orly Airport, with no Wi-Fi or clear prospects in sight. Nothing indicates that they’re destined to break into the highly competitive world of professional basketball, let alone carve out a place for themselves there.
Driven by a shared passion for the NBA, the two friends nevertheless decide to take a chance. Amid spontaneous trips, missed opportunities, and cultural misunderstandings, they navigate a world where each setback risks derailing their dream. Their friendship, tested by financial struggles and doubts, ultimately becomes their greatest source of motivation to persevere.
The American Dream takes inspiration from the real-life journeys of Bouna Ndiaye and Jérémy Medjana, two French agents now recognized as key figures in the NBA. They are known for guiding stars like Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, and Victor Wembanyama. The film isn't a documentary reconstruction; instead, it offers a fictionalized retelling that focuses on the tumultuous beginnings and unseen sacrifices behind their rise. According to the distributor, filming took place both in France and in various locations evoking the United States, with a special emphasis on the behind-the-scenes world of professional basketball.
Within the filmography of Anthony Marciano, already known for Play, Miskina, la pauvre, and Les Gamins, this new project continues to explore themes of coming-of-age and contrasting duos. Expectations are high among fans of social comedies, as well as viewers drawn to stories about sports and unconventional success stories.
The film strikes an accessible tone, blending humor with more reflective moments, without delving into the technical intricacies of basketball. Themes of resilience, hard work, and loyalty drive the story, evoking the spirit of classic American outsider films, while still maintaining a strong French cultural identity. Le Rêve américain aims to reach a broad audience, extending beyond just NBA fans.
Our Review of The American Dream
The American Dream, directed by Anthony Marciano, hits theaters on February 18, 2026, with a clear goal: to tell an inspiring journey without slipping into mere hero worship. Anchored by the strong chemistry between Jean-Pascal Zadi and Raphaël Quenard, the film chronicles the tumultuous path of two agents navigating the basketball world — through resourcefulness, instinct, and risky gambles. More than a sports movie, it’s fundamentally a story of friendship and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Right from the start, the tone is set: a lively, vibrant feel-good film that prioritizes momentum over seriousness. Marciano focuses less on dissecting the economic mechanics of the industry than on capturing the human dynamics that connect the characters. The film’s success relies heavily on the undeniable chemistry between Zadi and Quenard. Their camaraderie, underpinned by palpable proximity, injects a sense of spontaneity that compensates for the somewhat straightforward plot. Every exchange feels infused with a sincerity that goes beyond mere acting.
Basketball features prominently, yet it’s never the true focus of the story. The game scenes — particularly the streetball sequences — are well-crafted, energetic, and sometimes even exhilarating. They give the film its visual energy and rhythm. Still, The American Dream never aims to be a fierce sports competition film: it’s a biopic about the journeys of two agents, illustrating how these men fight to carve out their space in a demanding, sometimes ruthless industry.
The soundtrack plays a vital role in fueling this momentum. Each carefully selected track aligns with the narrative’s stages, almost narrating the ascent and collective drive. Music champions both victories and setbacks, infusing the film with a steady, infectious pulse.
Beyond the kinetic energy, the film finds its most heartfelt moments in gentle, human exchanges. The respect paid to Bouna’s wife — a steadfast supporter through tough times — adds meaningful depth. Scenes like the one where a player’s mother negotiates a contract with Bouna’s own mother capture this perfect balance of humor and emotion, ambition and familial grounding.
Nevertheless, while the movie is undeniably enjoyable and driven by genuine warmth, it lacks that little extra soul that turns a nice success into a true cinematic moment. We nod along, smile, and go with the flow — yet the emotional impact stays restrained. Although sincere, the story follows a predictable success arc and never quite manages to surprise. We leave feeling warmed but rarely moved to tears.
The American Dream is aimed at viewers drawn to tales of friendship and perseverance, those seeking an optimistic, uplifting film. Die-hard basketball film fans or purists of sporty dramas might be taken aback: here, the focus is more on human relationships and shared ambitions. In that respect, the film fulfills its mission with generosity and genuine kindness.
The American Dream
Film | 2026
Release Date in theaters: February 18, 2026
Comedy | Duration: 2h01
Directed by Anthony Marciano | Starring Jean-Pascal Zadi, Raphaël Quenard
Original title: Le Rêve américain
Country: France
Through this based-on-true-events story, the film offers a heartfelt and communal perspective on success—one that goes beyond just signing deals, focusing instead on the resilience of sticking together through setbacks. It’s an approach that puts friendship back at the core of the dream of achievement.
To extend your in-theater experience, check out the February movie releases, discover the must-see films of the moment, and explore our selection of true-story-inspired films of the year.
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