Those Who Matter is a dramedy written and directed by Jean-Baptiste Leonetti, starring Sandrine Kiberlain and Pierre Lottin in the leading roles. The film is set to hit theaters on March 25, 2026. After exploring various narratives centered on fragile human journeys, the filmmaker offers a story focused on the encounter between two isolated souls. Anchored by a duo of actors whose performances blend heartfelt comedy with intimate drama, this film promises a nuanced exploration of loneliness and connection.
Rose is raising her three children alone in the old family hotel, where they still live on the upper floor even though the building no longer belongs to them. She refuses to be labeled as living in poverty and insists it's only a temporary situation: they’re not poor, just strapped for cash. Her boundless energy, almost stubborn, helps her face daily setbacks with contagious enthusiasm. Her zest for life becomes a form of resistance, a shield against resignation and the breaking apart of family bonds.
In contrast, Jean is a discreet man, shaped by sacrifices and silent struggles. A loner with a reserved nature, he’s learned to hide his empathy behind a constant veneer of restraint. His seemingly accidental arrival into this unconventional family disrupts an already fragile balance. The film focuses on the gradual evolution of their paths, illustrating how their contrasting personalities gradually create an unexpected space for connection and affection, without ignoring the underlying tensions and doubts.
Jean-Baptiste Leonetti, who both writes the screenplay and directs, continues to focus on characters and their vulnerabilities. His choice of a nearly single location—the family hotel turned sanctuary—creates an intimate setting that favors close-up observations of personal dynamics. Sandrine Kiberlain, known for roles blending lightness with a touch of melancholy, delivers a performance here that balances hopeful resilience with fragility. Opposite her, Pierre Lottin portrays a more reserved character whose development unfolds through subtle shifts in his demeanor.
The tone shifts effortlessly between comedy and subtle emotion, in keeping with the French cinematic tradition that favors family dramas and unlikely encounters. Central themes of hardship, dignity, and rebuilding weave through the story without veering into sentimentalism. The film speaks to viewers who appreciate stories of resilience and character portraits of ordinary people facing pivotal decisions — a blend reminiscent of social dramas sprinkled with humor.
Those Who Matter | Film | Coming soon in 2026
Release date: March 25, 2026
Available on [Platform] from -
Drama-comedy | Runtime: -
Directed by Jean-Baptiste Leonetti | Starring Sandrine Kiberlain, Pierre Lottin
Original title: Those Who Matter
Country: France
Through the meeting of Rose and Jean, Those Who Matter explores the possibility of a new balance emerging from a fragile situation. Blending social commentary with a story of inner transformation, the film examines how human connections can reshape perspectives when everything feels on the brink of suspension.
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