Premiered in official competition at the Alpe d’Huez International Comedy Film Festival 2026, La Poupée is the latest feature from Sophie Beaulieu. This unique romantic comedy stars Vincent Macaigne, alongside Cécile de France and Zoé Marchal. The film is slated for release in theaters on April 22, 2026.
With a tone that is both quirky and bittersweet, La Poupée follows the story of a character deeply broken by love. Rémi has never truly moved on from his last breakup and has taken a radical approach to avoid heartbreak: building a relationship with a doll named Audrey. Everything changes when Patricia, a new coworker, unexpectedly enters his life.
While avoiding unnecessary provocation, the film delves into the dynamics of emotional withdrawal, exploring the fear of intimacy and the struggle to reconnect with reality. The encounter between Rémi and Patricia serves as a catalyst, forcing the character to confront his contradictions and the hope of reconnecting with others.
This first teaser hints at a comedy with a bittersweet tone, driven by Vincent Macaigne's compelling performance, an actor well-known for his roles as men grappling with existential crises. Director Sophie Beaulieu's approach appears to focus on intimacy and unspoken truths, continuing the French tradition of romantic comedies infused with a touch of the absurd.
The lineup of films competing at the Alpe d’Huez solidifies its standing within the realm of contemporary French comedy. The International Comedy Film Festival, a leading authority in the genre, has selected La Poupée as one of the feature films vying for recognition at its 29th edition, where it has earned an official nomination.
Alongside Vincent Macaigne, the cast features Cécile de France and Zoé Marchal, bringing a perfect balance of seriousness and levity to a story centered on romantic relationships and masculine vulnerabilities. The film belongs to a genre of unconventional romantic comedies, where humor becomes a lens through which deeper issues are explored.
The Doll
Film | 2026
Release date in theaters: April 22, 2026
Comedy, Romance | Duration: 1h20
Directed by Sophie Beaulieu | Starring Vincent Macaigne, Zoé Marchal, Cécile de France
Country: France
With The Doll, Sophie Beaulieu presents a modern take on the theme of thwarted love and emotional rebuilding, openly exploring loneliness and avoidance strategies. Her approach sparks curiosity not only because of its premise but also because of its treatment, making it a film worth watching upon its theatrical release.
To keep the movie magic going, check out this month's April cinema releases, discover the must-see films of the moment, and explore our top French films of the year.
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