Written and directed by Lauriane Escaffre and Yvo Muller, Gisèle – In the Name of All is a dramatic biopic that explores one of the most pivotal trials in French judicial and political history. Led by performances from Charlotte Gainsbourg, Cécile de France, and Grégory Gadebois, the film revisits the Bobigny trial of November 1972—a crucial moment in the fight for the legalization of abortion. The movie is scheduled to hit French theaters on November 4, 2026.
In November 1972, France is shaken by an extraordinary trial. Marie-Claire Chevalier, just 16 years old, is charged with illegal abortion following a rape. Also appearing in court are her mother and the women who supported her. Confronted with them is a strict, uncompromising law that criminalizes thousands of women every year.
Their lawyer, Gisèle Halimi, opts for a bold and radical approach. Rather than pleading guilty, she decisively challenges the very law at the heart of the case. It’s a daring, unprecedented move that elevates this personal legal battle into a significant political statement. By shining a spotlight on the system’s injustice, Halimi transforms the courtroom into a platform for activism, launching a fight that extends far beyond her clients’ individual fates.
Gisèle – In the Name of All continues the tradition of courtroom dramas, while also incorporating a historical and activist perspective. The film focuses on the courtroom proceedings, testimonies, personal stories, and the rising tension in a France still deeply divided over reproductive rights.
Charlotte Gainsbourg brings to life Gisèle Halimi, a central figure in the film—an activist lawyer whose passionate defense during the Bobigny trial marked a pivotal moment in the history of women's rights in France. By her side, Cécile de France stars as Michèle Chevalier, the mother of Marie-Claire, while Grégory Gadebois portrays Claude Faux, one of the young defendant’s supporters. Saül Benchetrit plays Marie-Claire Chevalier herself, at the heart of the case, alongside Sarah Suco as Lucette Duboucheix and Florence Loiret Caille as Micheline Bambuck. Opposing them is Xavier Robic, who embodies the prosecutor—serving as the voice of the judicial system and the laws of that era.
By framing Gisèle Halimi’s fight within its broader context, Gisèle – Au nom de toutes examines the collective impact of an act driven by individual conviction. The film highlights how a legal case can act as a catalyst for societal change, and how justice, at times, can serve as a turning point in the political landscape.
Gisèle – In the Name of All
Film | 2026
Theatrical release: November 4, 2026
Biopic, Drama | Duration: TBA
Directed by Lauriane Escaffre, Yvo Muller | Starring Charlotte Gainsbourg, Cécile de France, Grégory Gadebois, Saül Benchetrit
Country: France
Through this judicial and political story, Gisèle – In the Name of All offers a cinematic retelling of a pivotal moment in the history of women's rights in France, highlighting the bravery of a lawyer and the collective strength of a movement fought “in the name of all.”
To make the most of your cinematic experience, check out the November movie releases, discover the must-see films of the moment, and browse our upcoming lineup of historical and biographical films.
